International Women’s Day – #EmbraceEquity

We’re proud to say that Together Active is currently an organisation staffed entirely by women, and we’re passionate about empowering individuals and communities to engage in physical activity and lead healthy lifestyles. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re inspired by women who have broken down barriers and created more equity in physical activity.

As a team, we draw inspiration from women who have challenged the status quo, from those who have paved the way historically, to those championing women’s rights in the present day, and even own families. The drive to support each other and create a more equitable world is deeply rooted, and comes from our own experiences and observations.

Historically, physical activity has been dominated by men, with women often excluded or discouraged from participating. This has led to significant disparities in physical activity levels between men and women, with women often facing additional barriers such as childcare responsibilities, societal expectations, and lack of access to safe and supportive environments. However, women have been at the forefront of challenging these barriers and creating more opportunities for themselves and others.

Kathrine Switzer was a true trailblazer and inspiration in sport. The first woman to run the Boston Marathon with an official bib number in 1967, she truly challenged the established norms of the time. Women were not allowed to officially participate in marathons as recently as the 1960s, but Switzer refused to let that stop her. Despite being physically attacked during the race by a male official who tried to remove her from the course, Switzer finished the race and went on to become a champion for women’s running. She founded the Avon International Running Circuit, which helped to establish the women’s marathon as an official Olympic event.

Today, women continue to challenge gender stereotypes and create more opportunities for themselves and others in physical activity. Together Active is proud to be part of this movement and to have a team of women who are passionate about empowering individuals and communities. They understand that physical activity is not just about physical health, but also about mental health, social connections, and overall well-being.

Through our work, Together Active is committed to designing out inactivity in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, creating more accessible and inclusive physical activity opportunities, and supporting individuals and communities to achieve their physical activity goals. We believe that everyone has the right to be active and that physical activity should be an enjoyable and meaningful part of everyday life.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we celebrate those women who have gone before us, breaking down barriers and created more equity in physical activity.

We will follow in their footsteps, and continue to build on their legacy.

Read next: Celebrating International Women’s Day