Monday, January 26, 2015

All about the women

It's a good time to be a girl right now. I hope after I mentioned the "This girl can" campaign you have noticed it in at least one strand of the media. I'm definitely seeing more women out exercising, whether that's because I'm on the lookout for them or because there are actually more women enjoying the benefits of physical activity I don't know. All I do know is there's a strong positive vibe that's spreading fast.

Last week I was asked by national radio for my comments on the campaign and the importance of sport in our lives. There had apparently already been negative criticism just days after the launch and most surprisingly it wasn't from men feeling left out but from women themselves. They had branded it patronising. For those who've not seen it, the advert uses normal women to demonstrate that size, shape and appearance don't matter. It's all about the benefit you feel as a result of exercise. Yes the campaign has cost the government millions and yes it's only aimed at half of the population but I don't see what is patronising about addressing the issues that deter so many people from becoming active.

A few days later I was asked for my views on another issue involving women. I must admit that even I broke new personal barriers when I found myself speaking on world radio about the menstrual cycle and its effect on sportswomen. This became an international talking point after tennis player Heather Watson eluded to the fact that period pains caused her poor performance at the Australian Open. These discussions were due to reach world television the following day, that was before the death of the King of Saudi Arabia which understandably filled the airtime instead. It was still a significant break through and I'm pleased to say it was sport that triggered this international debate.