Girls, Women and Physical Activity

This chapter examines international, national and local policy responses to the under-representation of females in physical activity. It begins with a brief historical overview of the exclusionary ideologies and practices that have left a legacy of under-representation of women and girls in physical activity. A discussion of UK policy and practice aimed at increasing levels of physical activity amongst girls and women is presented. In recognising global policy approaches to female involvement in physical activity the chapter concludes with a comment about the impact of formal policy agendas on rates of participation and experiences of women and girls in physical activity.