In 2005, national and Queensland data showed that girls aged 15 to 24 were less likely to participate in sport and active recreation than males (88.6% of males compared to 82.6% of females). This means that some girls are missing out on the opportunity to:
- develop leadership skills
- develop self confidence
- make new friends
- stay fit and healthy.
For girls, it's even more important to promote physical activity in the school and home environment since they are less likely than boys to participate in physical activity after they leave school. Their experience with sport and active recreation may also influence whether they continue to participate in physical activity as adults and parents.
While some girls thrive on sport and competition, some girls may like to participate in more social physical activities, which may influence their decisions to be active as adults. Its important to know and understand the challenges and barriers preventing women ad girls from being more active so that you can be supportive and understanding of her needs.
Barriers to participation vary for females at different stages of their lives. Check out the barriers to participation fact sheet for ideas on how you can help encourage females in your family, school or community to get active.
Parents
As you would well know, parents can have a great influence on their daughters (and sons). Having a fun, active and healthy lifestyle together shows your family how to lead an active and healthy life.
Being active is not just about playing sport. It can include a range of recreational activities such as cycling with friends, having a go at different cultural activities like dancing, going to the gym or just going out for a walk.
The benefits of physical activity are enormous, and we've got some tips for parents on how you can support your daughter's activities to encourage her to be active as a child, teenager and adult.
If you are considering joining a local sport or active recreation club, have a look through the Active Choices Parent and Carer Checklist . This information will help you decide which local club is best suited to your daughter's or your family's needs.
Don't forget, getting more active together as a family can strengthen family bonds, improve communication, make great memories and perhaps even get that spring cleaning done or finally go away on that camping holiday!
Teachers
As a teacher, remember being active is not just about playing traditional sport. It can also include a range of recreational activities, modified sports such as Rooball and T ball, or different forms of dancing to ensure girls have an opportunity to participate in a social environment as well a competitive one.
Teachers also need to consider the challenges and barriers influencing girls in your school that prevent them from being more physically active. Don't forget to check out the barriers to participation fact sheet, and we've got some tips for teachers on how you can support girls in sport and active recreation and a checklist for you to encourage a female friendly facility.
Clubs
While many girls have the opportunity to participate in sport and active recreation, in school, they are less likely than boys to participate in organised sport outside of school. Their experience with sport or active recreation may also influence whether they continue to participate in physical activity as adults and parents.
In addition to participating as an active member of your club, teens and women can play a strong role in supporting or managing the club and promoting it to your local community. This may be through a volunteer role such as administration, coaching, officiating and club leadership roles.
Consider the challenges and barriers influencing females in your community which prevent them from being active. Don't forget to check out the barriers to participation fact sheet, and we've also got some tips for clubs on how you can support girls in sport and active recreation and a checklist for you to encourage a female friendly facility .
Remember that being active can include participation in traditional or social activities. Perhaps you could organise a "come and try" day for women in your community. You never know, you may just uncover an exciting new talent!
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