Written evidence submitted by Sporting Equals (MISS0035)

Background

Sporting Equals is Britain’s leading charity in championing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) diversity in the sport and physical activity sector. We’re a national partner of Sport England and have over 20 years of experience in promoting and celebrating ethnic diversity in sport across the UK. We have an extended network of over 5,000 BAME-led organisations including faith centres, community groups, ethnic media and sport clubs. Over the years we have acquired extensive insight into local communities and “on the ground” knowledge garnered through delivering projects in cities throughout the country.

Response

The impact of poor body image

1. Considering that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women are not a monolithic group, experiences noted below are not replicated across all women that fall under the BAME or faith umbrella. Considering women who are culturally excluded, these women will not have all the same shared experiences with those who are not. We would like to take to opportunity to state that this particular topic is relatively under-researched in BAME communities and requires further investigation. The below evidence indicates experiences of culturally excluded and their body image in the sphere of sport and physical activity.

2. Research conducted by Sporting Equals has found that culturally excluded women are most affected by poor body image in the context of sport and physical activity. This is largely due to two considerable factors. Firstly, taking dress into account and how this is or is not adapted to reflect modesty. Secondly, when physical activity sessions are hosted by men or men are present, therefore isolating many culturally excluded women from participating. The impact of this is that many of these women feel excluded from activity, and if they were to participate with improper dress or in the presence of men their own perceived body image would be negatively impacted.

3. Culturally excluded women are those who face cultural or religious barriers to participation. [1]  These key groups that can fall under this umbrella are those practising their faith such as Muslims and Jews, older BAME communities, South Asian females, East African communities such as Somali, and emerging communities facing language or literacy issues. Whilst these groups may face barriers to participating, this does not equate to there not being an appetite to be active. However, cultural barriers to participation arguably contribute to high levels of inactivity, particularly amongst South Asian women of which only 49.1 per cent were found to be having 150 minutes or more a week of physical activity in the most recent Active Lives survey.[2] Our research found that of all groups, South Asian women largely from Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities were most impacted by barriers to participation due to cultural norms.

4. For some culturally excluded women, body image interlinked with dress plays a substantial role as a barrier to particular sports. This is largely evident in sports such as swimming, gymnastics and netball where many women face barriers due to dress and the lack of modest options for them to wear in participation.  Due to cultural norms, many culturally excluded women find it inappropriate to expose themselves, including in front of other women. Furthermore, we have had respondents cite that insufficient privacy in changing rooms and showers can limit their participation in various activities.[3] Due to reasons linked to modesty, some women may want to carry out sport and physical activity in traditional dress, and Muslim women for example, may not want to remove their hijab (head scarf), whereas not all sports providers are currently flexible to this practice. Conclusively, cultural norms, perceived body image and remaining modest can play a significant role in excluding some BAME women from certain sports.

5. Our research confirmed that culturally excluded women will generally not want to participate in mixed-gender activities and will also be reluctant to participate if men are present and they are in a position that can be observed.[4] Like with dress, this is largely related to modesty and in some faiths, women and men partake in various tasks separately, hence, why this is also reflected in sport. Some South Asian women in particular face cultural challenges around where sport is delivered, the use of male instructors and also the attitudes of family.[5] Perceived body image is a reflection of family attitudes, and some women may not feel comfortable participating in sport in the presence of men due to what their family may think of them for doing so. A result of this is some culturally excluded women may only wish to participate in activities where another female is coaching or instructing.

6. Whilst women-only gyms are becoming more common, other sports facilities tend to lack options for those seeking these provisions, and when they do all areas are often not considered with the presence of male lifeguards often being cited as an issue when swimming.[6] One respondent stated that she had visited a swimming baths and had questioned why there was a male lifeguard, only to be told “We’re not changing the lifeguard for you, sorry – bye.” Another focus group member told us about how they had spent considerable time waiting around until a female lifeguard went on shift, this was despite the session being advertised as female only.[7] Further, many facilities pose additional barriers when considering windows that can be peered into and cameras (which can record women in their swimming costumes or gym clothes), providing some culturally excluded women little support in terms of privacy.[8]

7. To conclude, the impact of poor body image on some culturally excluded women is mostly attributed to perceived body image of themselves and others around them. For example, if they felt that they were exposed in front of a man that they did not want to observe them participating in sport and how that would make them feel as an individual, and also how others may think of them due to this. We believe that without adequate thought from leisure and sport providers, this acts as a barrier to participation in activity. Discouraging physical activity can also contribute to poor body image due to a want to exercise and participate but having little medium for doing so. Overall, we believe that the impact of negative body image on BAME women is an under-researched area which requires further investigation. Sporting Equals would welcome speaking with the Women and Equalities Committee to discuss this further and aid in additional research, should access to BAME focus groups be required.

June 2020

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