MOST people who are involved in the promotion of women in sport are very familiar with the Marion Edelman Wright quote: “You can’t be what you can’t see”.
In fact, this quote is used often by Judy Murray as she continually battles for more opportunities for women coaches in tennis.
This is also the phrase that gave Glasgow City FC some well-deserved media coverage recently when they launched their new away kit, as they had that very quote printed on the back of the shirt; ironically the interest that this created in all areas of the media, was amazing.
There was TV coverage, radio debates and not just in Glasgow but throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom.
The reason that phrase is used on a regular basis is because it is true.
For most people, particularly young women, there is a need to have visible role models, a tangible figure that they can relate too and one who, just by being visible, can get across to these young impressionable girls that – If I can do it, so can you!
As good as all that is, for me what is perhaps a bit more worrying is the opposite.
Now I don’t profess to be a script writer of any sorts, so bear with me when I say the opposite is: ‘you will be what you continually see’.
By that statement I am referring to this week’s news from the University of Liverpool, who through their research have recently found that the body size of mannequins used to advertise female fashion in the UK are far too thin and could be promoting unrealistic body images to those very impressionable young women and girls.
What was astonishing and extremely dangerous was that the average female mannequin body size was representative of a severely underweight woman.
The message that is being sent out here is that to be fashionable, to be able to wear the latest clothes, to be trendy, things that matter to young women, you have to look like their version of a model, which is in fact an emaciated, underweight and extremely ill, model.
The problems that this is storing up for young women is nothing short of scandalous.
We are aware that lack of confidence and self-esteem is a major issue for many young women, marry this with continuous promotion of body images that are impossible to emulate and you are storing up major problems, the least of which can be a lifetime struggle with an eating disorder.
This is just another reason why we must change the landscape and make sport and activity the first stop for women and girls.
Through this they will gain confidence, make friends, have fun and learn how to look after themselves, all this, we would hope, without resorting to extreme methods to become more mannequin like.
There is definitely plenty of work to be carried in in so many areas and at times it can seem like an impossible task. Yet most sports now are looking at how to develop and fashion sport in order to ensure women and girls are welcome.
Through this it is hoped that we can reach out to those young women who are disengaged in sport and encourage them to take the first tentative steps towards participation.
So lets’ rack up the promotion of our sportswomen, let us help young girls understand that bodies come in various shapes and sizes and that there is no such thing as one size fits all.
We are all unique and should celebrate this and promote an active and healthy lifestyle as the next big fashion accessory.
JUST a reminder that it is only two weeks until the big event of the year, the Scottish Women in Sport conference, ‘The Business of Sport’.
It is on Friday May 19 at Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters in Gogarburn. Always a ‘must attend’ for those who are involved in sport and this year, believe me, it will not disappoint.
We have a strong array of speakers travelling as far as from Australia.
This is a must attend event and tickets are still available. You can read about our speakers, the topics and register on our website at http://www.scottishwomeninsport.co.uk/inspired/conference-2017/
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