Judy Murray has called for British sport to intensify efforts in ensuring equal funding and opportunities for women and girls. In a passionate speech marking the 40th anniversary of the Women in Sport charity, Murray emphasized the importance of moving beyond discussions and taking meaningful action. Addressing senior sports leaders, she expressed frustration with the ongoing talk about change without significant progress. “I am sick of listening to talk, but where’s the action? What are we waiting for? Let’s get on with things,” she stated, urging a shift from rhetoric to tangible outcomes.
The conference highlighted the concerning statistic that only 13% of British coaches at the Paris Olympics were women. Furthermore, there has been a notable decline in the number of women in senior positions in sports governing bodies since the pandemic. Murray acknowledged the landmark impact of the London 2012 Olympics on women’s sport but stressed that the work must continue. “We have come a long way since 1984,” she said, referencing the progress women’s sports have made over the past few decades. “But we can’t afford to be complacent. There is still much to do. We have to keep our foot on the gas.”
One of the challenges Murray pointed out was the tendency for women in sport to face barriers that force them out, likening this to the way snowflakes can be stopped by obstacles. However, she also emphasized the power of unity among women, noting that when they come together with supportive allies, they can create a force like snowballs that can make a real difference. Murray recounted the early stages of her coaching career when a fellow coach questioned her ability to succeed, saying, “What would you possibly offer to performance coaching when you have two young kids?” This reflection on her own experiences was a reminder of the personal challenges women often face in the sports industry.
Despite the progress made in some areas, Murray spoke of the persistent abuses of power within sport, underlining the need for male allies. She stated, “The world was created for men. The sports world was created for men. We have been crashing it for some time. But we’ve got to keep crashing it.” This remark reinforced the notion that systemic change requires both women’s efforts and the support of men in positions of power who can help create an equitable environment.
The conference also featured contributions from Katherine Grainger, the chair of UK Sport, and Paula Dunn, the head coach of British Athletics, who shared their own stories of overcoming obstacles to reach the top of their fields. Their experiences highlighted the broader struggle that many women in sport face as they navigate male-dominated structures and fight for opportunities.
During the event, calls were made for sports organizations receiving public funding to aim for 50% female representation on their boards and in senior leadership roles. This proposal was part of a broader conversation on the need for more equitable funding between men’s and women’s sports. Discussions also touched on the establishment of an independent regulator for sport, tasked with ensuring safeguarding and the duty of care towards athletes. These measures were seen as vital steps towards building a fairer and more inclusive sports culture.
Stephanie Hilborne, the chief executive of Women in Sport, also addressed the audience, framing the fight for gender equality in sport as a broader societal issue. She pointed out that in an increasingly divided world, the work to unite women and men in the fight against stereotypes and misogyny is more critical than ever. “This work goes beyond sport, it’s essential for society,” she said, underlining the significance of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment not only in sports but across all sectors of life.
Overall, the conference served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges women face in the sports world, but it also provided hope that with continued effort, collaboration, and determination, these barriers can be dismantled. The call for action resonated with all in attendance, underscoring the need for both policy changes and a cultural shift to create a truly equitable sporting landscape for future generations.
