Girlpower: Design Solutions for an Equitable and Inclusive Future for Females in Sport, explores how design can actively support gender inclusion in sports through simple, cost-scalable architectural interventions. Focusing on the lived experiences of women and girls, the report investigates how built environments contribute to feelings of belonging, safety, and participation across key sporting codes and levels of facilities.
Through literature review, research, case studies, community engagement and lived experience, Girlpower identifies key ways sports facilities can evolve to better meet diverse needs. From small-scale upgrades to major redevelopments, the report demonstrates that every intervention, no matter the size, can send a powerful message of inclusion and belonging.
Central to the findings is the principle that design for inclusion is scalable and adaptable. Clubs, facility owners, and sporting bodies are supported to adopt a proactive, co-design approach with their communities to ensure their spaces reflect the needs of all users. Practical recommendations are provided across varying budget levels, making the report a valuable toolkit for stakeholders seeking to improve female participation through design.
Ultimately, Girlpower calls for a culture shift in how we design, manage, and imagine sport facilities, where dignity, safety, and universal access are not afterthoughts, but central goals. The report reinforces that inclusive design is not a trend, but a necessity in building stronger, fairer communities.
