Towards a level playing field

Throughout history, determined women have paved the way for a more equal and fair society. While physical activity is universally understood to provide a lifetime of benefits, sports participation rates among women and girls are much lower than men. The many reasons for this gender gap are practical, personal, social and cultural.

The Empower conference, organised by Women in Sport will both identify and help to solve the causes of inequality. The conference will also harness the latest insights, social innovation and best practice evidence to provide solutions. Bringing together champions that challenge the status quo, the Empower conference will ask urgent questions and share ideas that

Ruth Holdaway, Women in Sport Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to have AKQA’s participation as a key sponsor in our Empower conference. As an innovative creative agency, AKQA’s commitment and contribution today will help future generations to experience the transformational benefits of sport.”

Ajaz Ahmed, AKQA Chief Executive Officer said: “Whether it’s through a lack of visibility, access, investment or encouragement, sport is another example of the social inequality that still exists and needs to be tackled. Our team is proud to contribute to the Women in Sport Empower conference to help make progress faster and further.”

The Women In Sport Empower Conference speakers include: Rebecca Adlington, Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European medal-winning swimmer; Laura Bates, writer, campaigner and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project; Sophie Christiansen, British dressage rider and eight-time Paralympic champion; Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent, World Cup winning cricketer and broadcaster; Anna Kessel, sports writer, campaigner and co-founder of Women in Football; Stephen Lyle, Commissioning Editor for Sport at Channel 4; Judy Murray, tennis coach and former captain of the GB Fed Cup team; Catherine Mayer, co-founder and President of the Women’s Equality Party and award-winning journalist; Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England; and Helen Skelton, BBC broadcaster and Guinness World Record-breaker.

Through its research, insights and activities Women In Sport work to: ensure girls stay engaged with physical activity at the times when they are most at risk of losing interest – through primary school and through the transition to adulthood; use sport to empower women and girls facing disadvantage to reach their full potential; and change the culture of sport so that sexism and gender discrimination become aspects of the past.

Women in Sport conference schedule, and ticket availability.