WSFF

"We have never had so many influential people in the same room" Sue Tibballs

Take a room filled with luminaries from the sporting world such as Clare Balding and Katherine Grainger, parliamentarians, MPs from all major parties and a host of representatives from sports media and ask them this question:

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games were the greatest games for women ever - How can we use this success to drive a participation legacy for women and girls?

As you can imagine, the debate sprang to life in an instant. The atmosphere was buzzing with positivity and optimism for an Olympic legacy for women...and most importantly it seems, young women and girls.

WSFF research shows that the problems in women’s sport are widespread. Currently:

- Only 5% of all sports media coverage is dedicated to women’s sport;

- Women’s sport receives just 0.5% of all commercial sponsorship;

- Only one in five Board Members of national sports governing bodies are women.

The under-promotion and under-funding of women’s sport is leading to an inactivity crisis among women, with just 20% of women currently doing enough exercise to benefit their health. Such shocking statistics place so much significance on the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the participation legacy that such an event can achieve.

WSFF asked this question to warn MPs and Peers that the Olympic legacy is in danger of failing women. We recognise a need to call upon the government, the media, sponsors and broadcasters to commit to working with sports bodies to unlock the potential of women's sport and propel it into the spotlight.

We have gathered some reflections from the day, highlighting the coverage we gained from the event. It exemplifies the dedication felt by so many to give women's sport its proper place in public life.