Female pupils of 10 Worcestershire secondary schools have attended a sports festival with the aim of overcoming barriers to physical activity.
The Girls Can Festival invited secondary school girls, particularly those in years 10-11, to take part in physical activity.
The festival showcased alternative sports, ranging from boogie bounce to glow dodgeball, in an attempt to surmount certain barriers girls experience, including low self-esteem and poor body image, resulting in decreased involvement in physical education (PE).
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The event, part of Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire's adaptation of the national This Girl Can campaign, brought in over 100 students.
Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "A priority for Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire is to better engage women and girls in physical activity, since we know they are less active then our male population.
"Since girls face unique barriers to getting active, such as the menstrual cycle, it is important that we provide appropriate support to this audience, aiding them to reach Chief Medical Officer (CMO) guidelines for physical activity."
In addition to active engagement, 'Girl Talk' sessions held at the festival acted as a platforms for open discussions on personal barriers to physical activity.
Charity HeadsUP supported these talks, touching on various issues including mental health and the stigma associated with it.
Kerrie O'Mahony, Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire's children and young people project manager said: "During the girl talk sessions, all girls were encouraged to discuss the barriers they personally face to being physically active, from the menstrual cycle to the importance of correct, comfortable sportswear including well-fitting sports bras."
The campaign's core objectives are to boost overall health, and strengthen the confidence and self-esteem of women and girls by inspiring a continual participation in sports and physical activities.
The Girls Can Festivals are their means to bridge the 'enjoyment gap'; the Youth Sport Trust Girls Active Survey reports only 64 per cent of girls, compared to 86 per cent of boys, enjoy PE.
For more information, visit the This Girl Can campaign website.
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