- Awareness week comes as research shows less than half of girls aged 13-15 enjoy recommended activity levels
- Former Scotland Women’s International Rachel Corsie backs 2025 campaign, encouraging women and girls to ‘Find your fit’
The Scottish Government’s Women and Girls in Sport Week 2025 launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
Taking place from Monday 6th October – Sunday 13th October, this year’s campaign is supported by former Scotland Women’s football captain Rachel Corsie. Corsie uses her platform as a leading figure in women’s sport to recognise that there remain significant barriers to sport and physical activity for women and girls.
The latest Scottish Health Survey showed that women remain less likely to be physically active than men across most age groups, with a notable drop off in physical activity for girls during adolescence, from 74% of girls aged 11-12 meeting recommended activity levels, down to just 43% of those aged 13-15.
There are many reasons behind this drop off, including gender stereotypes, lack of visible role models, body image concerns, and practical barriers like cost, time and transport. Cultural factors also impact participation, particularly for ethnic minority women and girls.
The Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2025 campaign seeks to increase the visibility of women and girls in sport, increase awareness of barriers to participation, and showcase the opportunities open to women and girls across the country.
The campaign is built around the message that movement looks different for everyone. It’s not about performance, it’s about feeling good, building confidence, and connecting with others. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a fitness class, or trying something new for the first time, ‘Find Your Fit’ is about discovering what makes you feel good and keeps you moving.
Reflecting on the importance of the Week, former Scotland International Women’s Football captain Rachel Corsie, said: “Sport has been a huge part of my life from a young age but after retiring from the game, I got to rediscover my love for different sports and activities that I couldn’t do as a professional footballer.
“Feeling happy and healthy is so important as you go through life and exercise is huge part of that. It’s all about finding what you enjoy and what works for you. It could be a walk in the park with friends or a jog on the beach to clear the head, I’d encourage all women and girls to try as many options as they can.
“There is something out there for everyone and it’s about finding a way for you that celebrates the benefits of being active”.
A Scottish Government Representative said: “Initiatives such as Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week remain absolutely vital to our nation’s health and wellbeing programme. Being active isn’t just good for physical health.
“It improves mental wellbeing, and contributes greatly to social health, helping people to connect with others and their communities.
“Scotland is a proud sporting nation, and the continued growth and success of women’s sport is brilliant to see, however, we know there’s still a long way to go to fully realise women’s sport potential and to address gendered gaps in participation.
“Having role models like Rachel to show that sport and exercise can be for everyone is vital. We hope that the Week inspires women and girls across the country to try something new”.
Whether you’re just getting started, returning to activity, or looking for something new, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Find your fit in your area by visiting swgis2025.actify.org.uk or by contacting your local authority leisure trust.
Let’s get active and move together this Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week by using #FindYourFit and #SheCanSheWill
For more information and updates, follow @ActiveScotGov.
