Misogyny is the ingrained hatred and prejudice against women and girls, and it doesn't just affect women's sport. Misogyny affects children's safety, confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
It shapes the experiences of young people in sport every day, from sexist "banter" and stereotypes to unequal opportunities and online abuse. Left unchallenged, it can create environments where disrespect becomes normalised and safeguarding risks increase.
To help professionals and volunteers better understand and respond to these challenges, we have launched a new safeguarding masterclass: The impact of misogyny in sport. The on-demand learning explores how misogyny shows up in sporting environments, why it matters for safeguarding, and what practical steps organisations can take to create safer, more inclusive cultures.
What is misogyny in sport?
When we talk about misogyny in sport, we’re referring to behaviours and systems that discriminate against, show hostility towards or devalue women and girls in a sport club as well as online and across the sport sector.
In sport, misogyny can look like:
- girls receiving fewer opportunities than boys
- unequal access to facilities, funding or coaching
- sexist jokes disguised as "banter"
- comments about girls' bodies, appearance or clothing
- dismissing concerns raised by women and girls
- harmful coaching behaviours and body shaming
- sexualised sports kits and media coverage
- online abuse directed at female athletes, officials and commentators
- hostile team cultures that exclude or undermine girls and young women
These behaviours can be obvious or subtle, but when left unchallenged can contribute to environments where more serious harm can happen.
Why misogyny is a safeguarding issue
Everyday sexism can create cultures that normalise disrespect, minimise concerns and increase vulnerability to more serious forms of harm.
Recognising sexism and signs of misogyny early allows clubs and organisations to intervene before harmful attitudes become embedded.
Misogyny doesn’t exist in isolation. Our history and society of unequal treatment of women and girls continue to shape sport today.
For example:
- violence against women and girls makes up roughly 20% of all recorded crimes in England and Wales (NPCC police reports)
- girls are still doing less physical activity and sport per week compared to boys (Sport England Active Lives survey)
- women’s health issues receive less funding and therefore less research than men’s which contributes towards health inequality outcomes for women and girls,
Understanding inequalities and these wider influences help organisations predict where gender-related safeguarding risks may appear in sport.
What sports organisations can do to protect women and girls
For sports organisations:
- address sexism and misogyny in codes of conduct, policies and procedures
- role model equality and respect
- train staff to recognise and respond to misogyny
- create safe spaces for conversations
- validate young people's experiences and act on what young people are telling you
- challenge harmful stereotypes and sexism both inside and outside of sport
Addressing misogyny is not a one-off, it is a way of working that embeds respect, inclusion and equality throughout the culture of sport.
Who is this online masterclass for?
This safeguarding masterclass, The impact of misogyny in sport, is designed for anyone working with children and young people in sport and physical activity, from grassroots and community sport to elite level and international competition.
The one-hour learning offers evidence-based guidance, practical safeguarding advice and real-world examples to help sports organisations understand the issue and take meaningful action.