Tom Arthur, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire South, has marked the beginning of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2023 by encouraging all women and girls to get involved in local events.
The Scottish Government, alongside Scottish Women in Sport and Active Scotland, designed this initiative to highlight the importance of sport in achieving gender equality and improving health and wellbeing, to increase female participation and to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in all sports across all levels.
The ultimate goal is to eradicate gender inequality in sport and promote better discussion around women’s health, and this year’s theme is celebrating inclusion of those with all levels of ability.
Commenting, Tom Arthur said:
“The seventh annual Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more women and girls to get active and to celebrate the many trailblazing role models in women’s sport.
“Physical activity is not only incredibly beneficial for women’s mental health and physical well-being but can be an incredible force for good in communities like Renfrewshire South, leading to empowerment and a sense of belonging which are too often in short supply for many girls.
“Women and girls make a tremendous contribution to sports at all levels, on and off the pitch, however there remains a huge disparity between male and female participation. That is why the SNP Scottish Government is spearheading the fight for equal opportunities for all.
“It is a long-standing priority of the SNP Scottish Government to increase women and girls’ participation in sport and improve awareness of its benefits, as is the commitment to double investment in sport and active living to £100 million by the end of this Parliament. “As part of this week, events and activities will run across Renfrewshire South and women and girls can share and celebrate their achievements on social media by using #SheCanSheWill. I encourage all those who can, to get involved.”