- Conference
- 2008 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 25 October 2007
- Decision
- Carried
Women in UNISON have many interests and hobbies, including either watching or participating in sport.
We are all aware of the advantages of exercise, but are also increasingly aware of the lack of seriousness afforded to women’s sport, especially in the media.
The recent women’s football world cup was one recent example where coverage was not given top priority on the major channels, the competition was poorly advertised, and reported on by some radio and TV channels in a sexist and discriminatory fashion.
Celebrations on winning major women’s sporting events are rarely, if ever, on the same scale as those for male sporting achievements. When was the last time women sporting heroines were given a coach ride around the Capital or indeed their local town?
The Gender Equality Duty, which came into force in April 2007 should underpin the way forward for women and sport. The Duty is, after all, one of the biggest changes to sex equality legislation since the 1970’s and it provides an opportunity to achieve equality in sports provision at all levels. Local Authorities now have to provide data and take action to address any imbalances. The potential to improve and equalise facilities for, and participation by, women has never been better. Improvements that could and should come about because of this legislation are more participation, improved facilities, an increase in funding, equitable prize money with men and a reduction in barriers for women when taking part.
One organisation at the forefront of the fight for equality in sport is the Women’s Sports Foundation. The Foundation is one of the UK’s leading organisations dedicated to improving and promoting opportunities for women and girls in sport and physical activity.
Conference therefore instructs the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Affiliate to Women’s Sports Foundation UK
2)Liaise with Labour Link to lobby the Government, and particularly the Minister for Sport, highlighting the need for parity for women in sport, and stressing the importance of the Gender Equality Duty in helping to achieve this aim.
3)Seek the support of the TUC in campaigning on this issue.