Brio takes a significant step forward to support women in sport

Brio, operator of seven leisure centres across Cheshire West and Chester, has joined Active Cheshire and leading regional partners in signing the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration.

This global commitment aims to advance equality for women and girls in sport and physical activity. By signing, Brio pledges to support women and girls in sport, both within Brio centres and beyond.

Women and girls are still less active than their male counterparts, with around 4 in 10 women in the UK not moving enough to feel the full benefits of physical activity. Locally, women aged 35 and 44 are the least active group, even though 84% say they want to be more active, and 48% of teenage girls disengage from sport altogether. 

A recent report by Sport England offers encouraging insights that leisure centres play a role in reversing these trends, with more women choosing them as places to get active and socialise. This demonstrates the powerful role providers like Brio have in helping women and girls connect with sport, but also, the opportunity to reach those who are disengaged. 

The declaration sets out 10 principles, ranging from gender equality in sport, to equal access, leadership opportunities, and challenging stereotypes. All future decisions across Brio services will consider these principles, and Brio will continue exploring opportunities where they can build on and improve. 

Brio has also undertaken a diagnostic audit of their service and delivery focusing on women and girls, which will then inform areas of strength and improvement. This will help develop an action plan for Brio to work on over the coming years to foster a sporting culture that encourages full participation of women. 

Kerry Goryl, Operations Director, states:

“Brio is proud to be signing such an important declaration, and we are committed to supporting women and girls in physical activity and sport. We believe everyone should have equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being active. In signing this declaration, we commit to creating inclusive, supportive environments that empower women and girls to participate, lead, and thrive”.

Brio is exploring partnerships and programmes to bring more women and girls in sport, starting with the launch of StrongHer Together in September, a gym session designed specifically for women to work out in a supportive, empowering environment, suitable for all fitness abilities. Current or new members can book the sessions via the Brio Leisure app or drop in at their nearest site.

For full details and to find a session that suits you, visit: 

https://www.brioleisure.org/what-we-offer/fitness/gym/strongher-together

Pictured - Kerry Goryl, operations director for Brio, signing the declaration along with Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General IWG.