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Scottish Sun
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Almost half of women have been dished sexist insults playing sports, survey shows
Nearly half of female athletes face sexist slurs — even from coaches SHOCK FIGURES Almost half of women have been dished sexist insults playing sports, survey shows Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALMOST half of women have faced sexist jibes while playing sport – with many being told they "throw like a girl", "look like a man", or are "not strong enough". The shocking stats come from a UK-wide survey of 3,000 female athletes and amateur players, revealing the widespread abuse women face on and off the pitch. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Former Team GB Olympian Sam Quek, won gold in the 2016 Games for Britain in hockey Credit: AXA The poll found 42 per cent had been told women weren't as good at sport as men, while nearly one in three (32 per cent) had been labelled 'soft' or inferior. Male strangers on the street (47 per cent), male athletes (44 per cent), and even male coaches (36 per cent) were named as the most common culprits behind the abuse. Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health Insurance, which commissioned the research, said: 'It can be a lose-lose situation for women sometimes. 'Despite the progress which has been made to improve access to women's sport, the research shows there's still a long way to go to making sport an equal playing field for all. 'Comments about physical ability or derogatory statements about gender have no place in sport or exercise.' Other barriers holding women back include menstrual health – with 39 per cent saying their performance was affected – and 29 per cent reporting low energy levels. Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek said: 'Speak up and you're difficult – stay quiet, and you're weak. 'As a woman in sport, I've experienced and also heard a number of insults, problems and accusations. ''Oh, she's hormonal, oh, she's on her period, she throws like a girl, she's not strong enough – the list is endless. 'One area in women's sport which I have loved to see evolve is the menstrual cycle and women's periods, because whether you like it or not, it does affect sporting performance. Almost half of women have been dished sexist insults playing sports, survey shows 'We are not using it as an excuse, we just needed a greater understanding.' The research also revealed that 78 per cent believe female athletes don't get the credit they deserve, despite 94 per cent of parents saying it's important to set a good example when it comes to exercise. Shockingly, 58 per cent of women who've been on the receiving end of sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether. To change things, nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) said people in sport, from coaches to spectators, need to do more to stop the abuse. Suggestions include calling out bad behaviour (74 per cent), promoting equal chances (65 per cent), and praising women when deserved (56 per cent). Dr Bradshaw added: 'Sport and exercise – from running to rugby, lacrosse to lifting weights, can have huge benefits both physically and mentally, and help keep bones, joints and muscles healthy as we age. 'It's important we ensure that women are treated fairly, so we need to normalise flexing training plans to suit women's needs, such as using the stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit training. 'We know that certain stages of the cycle women can feel more fatigued, but there are stages where they might feel stronger, too – so they can use this to their advantage. "Women menstruating are also more likely to suffer injuries, so this should be factored into training plans. 'And as female athletes get older, we need to ensure they have the confidence to challenge expectations and reset their own priorities to find what works best for them, rather than giving up entirely.' Sam Quek added: 'Sport for me is magical. It's for everyone. "To any female involved in sport who has been told they're too much – you're not, you're you. And to any female who has been told we're not enough, we are enough.' SEXIST ABUSE FACED BY WOMEN PLAYING SPORTS: 1. Being told women aren't as good at sports as men 2. Mocking or belittling women's sports as inferior or 'soft' 3. Being told that you 'throw like a girl' as an insult 4. Sexual comments or harassment during or after playing sports 5. Being wolf whistled 6. Being told you're 'too emotional' to handle high-pressure situations 7. Being told you should 'smile more' while playing 8. Criticism focused on appearance instead of athletic performance 9. Being asked about relationship status or family plans instead of their skills 10. Doubts cast on your sexuality for playing 'masculine' sports
The Irish Sun
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Almost half of women have been dished sexist insults playing sports, survey shows
ALMOST half of women have faced sexist jibes while playing sport – with many being told they "throw like a girl", "look like a man", or are "not strong enough". The shocking stats come from a UK-wide survey of 3,000 female athletes and amateur players, revealing the widespread abuse women face on and off the pitch. 2 Former Team GB Olympian Sam Quek, won gold in the 2016 Games for Britain in hockey Credit: AXA The poll found 42 per cent had been told women weren't as good at sport as men, while nearly one in three (32 per cent) had been labelled 'soft' or inferior. Male strangers on the street (47 per cent), male athletes (44 per cent), and even male coaches (36 per cent) were named as the most common culprits behind the abuse. Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health Insurance, which commissioned the research, said: 'It can be a lose-lose situation for women sometimes. 'Despite the progress which has been made to improve access to women's sport, the research shows there's still a long way to go to making sport an equal playing field for all. Read more on Sports 'Comments about physical ability or derogatory statements about gender have no place in sport or exercise.' Other barriers holding women back include menstrual health – with 39 per cent saying their performance was affected – and 29 per cent reporting low energy levels. Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek said: 'Speak up and you're difficult – stay quiet, and you're weak. 'As a woman in sport, I've experienced and also heard a number of insults, problems and accusations. Most read in Sport ''Oh, she's hormonal, oh, she's on her period, she throws like a girl, she's not strong enough – the list is endless. 'One area in women's sport which I have loved to see evolve is the menstrual cycle and women's periods, because whether you like it or not, it does affect sporting performance. Almost half of women have been dished sexist insults playing sports, survey shows 'We are not using it as an excuse, we just needed a greater understanding.' The research also revealed that 78 per cent believe female athletes don't get the credit they deserve, despite 94 per cent of parents saying it's important to set a good example when it comes to exercise. Shockingly, 58 per cent of women who've been on the receiving end of sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether. To change things, nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) said people in sport, from coaches to spectators, need to do more to stop the abuse. Suggestions include calling out bad behaviour (74 per cent), promoting equal chances (65 per cent), and praising women when deserved (56 per cent). Dr Bradshaw added: 'Sport and exercise – from running to rugby, lacrosse to lifting weights, can have huge benefits both physically and mentally, and help keep bones, joints and muscles healthy as we age. 'It's important we ensure that women are treated fairly, so we need to normalise flexing training plans to suit women's needs, such as using the stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit training. 'We know that certain stages of the cycle women can feel more fatigued, but there are stages where they might feel stronger, too – so they can use this to their advantage. "Women menstruating are also more likely to suffer injuries, so this should be factored into training plans. 'And as female athletes get older, we need to ensure they have the confidence to challenge expectations and reset their own priorities to find what works best for them, rather than giving up entirely.' Sam Quek added: 'Sport for me is magical. It's for everyone. "To any female involved in sport who has been told they're too much – you're not, you're you. And to any female who has been told we're not enough, we are enough.' SEXIST ABUSE FACED BY WOMEN PLAYING SPORTS: 1. Being told women aren't as good at sports as men 2. Mocking or belittling women's sports as inferior or 'soft' 3. Being told that you 'throw like a girl' as an insult 4. Sexual comments or harassment during or after playing sports 5. Being wolf whistled 6. Being told you're 'too emotional' to handle high-pressure situations 7. Being told you should 'smile more' while playing 8. Criticism focused on appearance instead of athletic performance 9. Being asked about relationship status or family plans instead of their skills 10. Doubts cast on your sexuality for playing 'masculine' sports 2 Shockingly, 58 per cent of women who've been on the receiving end of sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether Credit: AXA
The Sun
28-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Almost half of women have been dished sexist insults playing sports, survey shows
ALMOST half of women have faced sexist jibes while playing sport – with many being told they "throw like a girl", "look like a man", or are "not strong enough". The shocking stats come from a UK-wide survey of 3,000 female athletes and amateur players, revealing the widespread abuse women face on and off the pitch. The poll found 42 per cent had been told women weren't as good at sport as men, while nearly one in three (32 per cent) had been labelled 'soft' or inferior. Male strangers on the street (47 per cent), male athletes (44 per cent), and even male coaches (36 per cent) were named as the most common culprits behind the abuse. Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health Insurance, which commissioned the research, said: 'It can be a lose-lose situation for women sometimes. 'Despite the progress which has been made to improve access to women's sport, the research shows there's still a long way to go to making sport an equal playing field for all. 'Comments about physical ability or derogatory statements about gender have no place in sport or exercise.' Other barriers holding women back include menstrual health – with 39 per cent saying their performance was affected – and 29 per cent reporting low energy levels. Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek said: 'Speak up and you're difficult – stay quiet, and you're weak. 'As a woman in sport, I've experienced and also heard a number of insults, problems and accusations. ''Oh, she's hormonal, oh, she's on her period, she throws like a girl, she's not strong enough – the list is endless. 'One area in women's sport which I have loved to see evolve is the menstrual cycle and women's periods, because whether you like it or not, it does affect sporting performance. 'We are not using it as an excuse, we just needed a greater understanding.' The research also revealed that 78 per cent believe female athletes don't get the credit they deserve, despite 94 per cent of parents saying it's important to set a good example when it comes to exercise. Shockingly, 58 per cent of women who've been on the receiving end of sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether. To change things, nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) said people in sport, from coaches to spectators, need to do more to stop the abuse. Suggestions include calling out bad behaviour (74 per cent), promoting equal chances (65 per cent), and praising women when deserved (56 per cent). Dr Bradshaw added: 'Sport and exercise – from running to rugby, lacrosse to lifting weights, can have huge benefits both physically and mentally, and help keep bones, joints and muscles healthy as we age. 'It's important we ensure that women are treated fairly, so we need to normalise flexing training plans to suit women's needs, such as using the stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit training. 'We know that certain stages of the cycle women can feel more fatigued, but there are stages where they might feel stronger, too – so they can use this to their advantage. "Women menstruating are also more likely to suffer injuries, so this should be factored into training plans. 'And as female athletes get older, we need to ensure they have the confidence to challenge expectations and reset their own priorities to find what works best for them, rather than giving up entirely.' Sam Quek added: 'Sport for me is magical. It's for everyone. "To any female involved in sport who has been told they're too much – you're not, you're you. And to any female who has been told we're not enough, we are enough.' SEXIST ABUSE FACED BY WOMEN PLAYING SPORTS: 1. Being told women aren't as good at sports as men 2. Mocking or belittling women's sports as inferior or 'soft' 3. Being told that you 'throw like a girl' as an insult 4. Sexual comments or harassment during or after playing sports 5. Being wolf whistled 6. Being told you're 'too emotional' to handle high-pressure situations 7. Being told you should 'smile more' while playing 8. Criticism focused on appearance instead of athletic performance 9. Being asked about relationship status or family plans instead of their skills 10. Doubts cast on your sexuality for playing 'masculine' sports 2
North Wales Live
22-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Almost half of women have been subjected to sexist abuse while playing sport
Nearly half of all women have endured sexist taunts whilst taking part in sports, with slurs such as 'throw like a girl', comments about appearing 'like a man' or being 'not strong enough'. A survey of 3,000 female athletes revealed other unwelcome comments included assertions that women weren't as good at sports as men, or that women in sport were inferior or 'soft'. The main source of these unwanted comments came from strangers on the street, followed by male athletes and male coaches. Worryingly, 58 per cent of those who have faced sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether. Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health Insurance, which commissioned the study, said: "Comments about physical ability or derogatory statements about gender have no place in sport or exercise. "It can be a lose-lose situation for women sometimes. Despite the progress which has been made to improve access to women's sport, the research shows there's still a long way to go to making sport an equal playing field for all." The research went on to discover other obstacles for women, with 39 per cent saying their involvement in sport was negatively affected by menstrual health. Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek, who triumphed with Team GB in women's hockey at the Rio Olympics, shared: "As a woman in sport, I've encountered and heard countless jibes; 'Oh, she's hormonal, oh, she's on her period, she throws like a girl, she's not strong enough – the list goes on. "One area in women's sport which I have loved to see evolve is the menstrual cycle and women's periods, because whether you like it or not, it does affect sporting performance. "We are not using it as an excuse, we just needed a greater understanding." The study found that 78 per cent believe female athletes don't get the recognition they merit, despite 94 per cent of parents recognising the significance of demonstrating a positive attitude towards exercise for their children. To help shield women from these damaging experiences, eight in ten said coaches, officials, spectators and others within the sporting community must raise their standards to tackle sexist abuse. Speaking up when witnessing abuse, championing equal opportunities and offering praise to women when merited are the leading recommendations to help enhance the culture for women in sport. Dr Bradshaw stressed: "It's important we ensure that women are treated fairly, so we need to normalise flexing training plans to suit women's needs, such as using the stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit training. "We know that certain stages of the cycle women can feel more fatigued, but there are stages where they might feel stronger, too – so they can use this to their advantage. "Women menstruating are also more likely to suffer injuries, so this should be factored into training plans." Sam Quek added: "Sport for me is magical. It's for everyone. To any female involved in sport who has been told they're too much – you're not, you're you. And to any female who has been told we're not enough, we are enough."
Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Almost half of women faced sexist insults playing sports, study shows
Almost half of women have received sexist insults while playing sports - such as they 'throw like a girl', they 'look like a man' or are 'not strong enough'. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A poll of 3,000 female sports players found other unwanted comments included being told women weren't as good at sports as men (42 per cent), or women in sport were inferior or 'soft' (32 per cent). The main source of unwanted comments came from male strangers on the street (47 per cent) and male athletes (44 per cent), as well as male coaches (36 per cent). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health Insurance, which commissioned the research, said: "It can be a lose-lose situation for women sometimes. 'Despite the progress which has been made to improve access to women's sport, the research shows there's still a long way to go to making sport an equal playing field for all. 'Comments about physical ability or derogatory statements about gender have no place in sport or exercise.' The research went on to find other barriers for women, with 39 per cent saying their participation in sport was impacted negatively by menstrual health and 29 per cent reporting low energy levels. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olympian Sam Quek, who won gold for Team GB at the Rio Olympics in the women's hockey, said: 'Speak up and you're difficult – stay quiet, and you're weak. 'As a woman in sport, I've experienced and also heard a number of insults, problems and accusations. ''Oh, she's hormonal, oh, she's on her period, she throws like a girl, she's not strong enough – the list is endless. 'One area in women's sport which I have loved to see evolve is the menstrual cycle and women's periods, because whether you like it or not, it does affect sporting performance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are not using it as an excuse, we just needed a greater understanding.' The research showed 78 per cent feel female sportswomen don't get the credit they deserve, even though 94 per cent of parents consider it's important to set a good example to kids with regards to exercise. Worryingly, 58 per cent of those who have been subjected to sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether. To address the imbalance, 88 per cent said coaches, officials, spectators and those in the sporting community need to do more to stop sexist abuse. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Speaking out when they see abuse (74 per cent), promoting equal opportunities (65 per cent) and giving praise to women when they deserve it (56 per cent) are the top suggestions to help improve culture for women in sport. Dr Bradshaw added: 'Sport and exercise – from running to rugby, lacrosse to lifting weights – can have huge benefits both physically and mentally, and help keep bones, joints and muscles healthy as we age. 'It's important we ensure that women are treated fairly, so we need to normalise flexing training plans to suit women's needs, such as using the stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit training. 'We know that certain stages of the cycle women can feel more fatigued, but there are stages where they might feel stronger, too – so they can use this to their advantage. Women menstruating are also more likely to suffer injuries, so this should be factored into training plans. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'And as female athletes get older, we need to ensure they have the confidence to challenge expectations and reset their own priorities to find what works best for them, rather than giving up entirely.' Sam Quek added: 'Sport for me is magical. It's for everyone. To any female involved in sport who has been told they're too much – you're not, you're you. And to any female who has been told we're not enough, we are enough.' Nearly half of women have faced sexist abuse when playing sport | AXA Sexist abuse faced by women playing sports: Being told women aren't as good at sports as men Mocking or belittling women's sports as inferior or 'soft' Being told that you 'throw like a girl' as an insult Sexual comments or harassment during or after playing sports Being wolf whistled Being told you're 'too emotional' to handle high-pressure situations Being told you should 'smile more' while playing Criticism focused on appearance instead of athletic performance Being asked about relationship status or family plans instead of their skills Doubts cast on your sexuality for playing 'masculine' sports
