MOVE2B

CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE GIRLS LIFT EACH OTHER UP

Orna and her sister Niamh set up Move2B in 2021. We have both benefited from and are passionate about sports however, over the years we have noticed the numerous barriers to physical activity that women and girls have to overcome. We started working together and pooling our areas of expertise and the Move2B project was created! We feel a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that the next generation of girls get the support and encouragement needed to navigate the sport and exercise world. We want to ensure that they understand their bodies and are able to work with them rather than against them. We hope to create a movement where girls from all backgrounds want to get active and stay active for life.

To find out more check out www.move2b.ie

MOVE2B WEBSITE

“I believe that sport and physical activity is for everyone. It is there to be enjoyed by all members of society, men and women of all ages and abilities”

High Drop Out Rates

Adolescent girls are dropping out of sport and physical activity at twice the rate of boys their age. We see a sharp fall in the numbers of young girls playing sports by the age of fourteen*. Recent figures highlight that 80.5% of girls are not meeting the recommended levels of physical activity, with Ireland having one of the largest gender gaps in sports participation*.

We Address Issues SpecificTo Young Girls

The WIS Project addresses the barriers to sport and physical activity for girls. Issues specific to young girls such as; the onset of menstruation, peer pressure, lack of encouragement, subconscious gender stereotyping, school work perceived as being more important and playing sports not seen as feminine (body image & confidence) all play a role in sports participation among young girls.

Develop Physically, Socially & Emotionally

Low levels of sport and physical activity at such an early stage results in fewer opportunities to develop physically, socially and emotionally in a safe and non-judgemental environment*. Sports teams, dance groups and running communities for example all provide these types of support. Reduced participation in sport and physical activity regardless of the level, has both short-term and long-term consequences, as many habits of adulthood are tracked back to childhood and early adolescents.

Education Workshops

Amongst other things the WIS Project delivers educational workshops to girls and young women around Ireland, encouraging participation at all levels. Ensuring girls believe that physical activity and sport have a place for them and their friends. This project provides an online resource to follow on from the workshops that offers girl reliable support with clear language and practical advice based on the latest scientific research that enables them to address the challenges they may face. A fundamental aspect of this project is to work with teachers and coaches in encouraging them to support participation at all levels.