Sharp drop in women's participation in sport sparks calls for greater support in Clare

Social pressures, body image and gender stereotyping may make girls feel self conscious and create barriers to participating in sports across Clare it has been claimed.

Efforts to strengthen support for women's participation in Clare has grown amid concerns that engagement drops sharply when girls reach secondary school.

At the October meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen proposed that Clare County Council, State agencies and Oireachtas members "further progress the provision of support for females om sport and recreation to bring about resultant improvements in health and wellbeing."

Cllr Killeen noted that participation in sport outside of P.E. classes among primary school-aged girls is as high as 97% in some areas, compared to 95% for boys.

However, this figure drops sharply to just 65% once girls reach secondary school age, and 79% for boys.

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Cllr Killeen also highlighted a recent survey that found 46% of women who participate in sport do so through activities such as swimming, dancing, and jogging.

Cllr Mary Howard stated she was "delighted" when she saw the motion as it is "very important that we speak about this."

She explained that "encouraging women to stay involved in sport" will require "both a shift in culture and opportunity."

Supporting the motion, Cllr Howard highlighted how "participation often declines in adolescence due to a number of factors including body image and lack of confidence" explaining that  the vital "need to promote positive role models and create inclusive spaces with the idea that sport is not just about competition but about community, health and personal growth."

She also explained that in order to "remove barriers" preventing women from participating in sport, barrier creating issues such as "the cost of participation, inadequate facilities and gender stereotypes" need to be addressed by the council.

Speaking on the motion, Eoin Troy, senior executive officer, commented: “We recognise the vital role that inclusive participation plays in improving health and wellbeing across our communities.” 

"In alignment with national policy frameworks such as the Sport Ireland Strategy 2023–2027 and the  Participation Plan, our forthcoming Clare Local Sport and Activity Plan 2025–2030 places a strong  emphasis on removing barriers to participation and targeting priority groups, including women and  girls, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities."  

Mr Troy said the local authority is also working closely with Clare Local Sports Partnership, who are in the final stages of  delivering the Clare Outdoor Recreation Plan 2025–2030.

"This plan will further strengthen our  collective efforts to promote outdoor recreation as a key driver of participation, particularly for those  who may not engage in traditional sports settings," he wrote.