Lincoln Professor Calls for Change at Westminster Women in Sport Inquiry

Professor Hanya Pielichaty has given evidence at the House of Commons Women in Sport Inquiry, calling for societal change to tackle gender inequalities in sport.

Hanya, Professor of Sport, Gender and Inclusive Education at University of Lincoln, UK was invited to the Palace of Westminster on account of her research expertise relating to girls’ and women’s football in connection with gender justice. Hanya’s research expertise is accompanied by her lived experiences of playing football for over 20 years.

Hanya reported to Parliament: “I am dedicated to facilitating social and cultural change to ensure that every girl and woman feels like they belong in and around the football environment.

“It is essential that the Government utilises the recent success of the Lionesses to broker broader social change to tackle gender inequities that exist in our society. Sport can be used as a source for good, to challenge and transform culture and society more widely.

“Facilitating better, safer and more enjoyable spaces and opportunities for girls and women to foster and sustain a love for sport and physical activity will have positive benefits on individuals, communities, services and the economy more broadly.”

Hanya explained that as sport reflects society and vice versa, a true culture shift, strengthened by meaningful financial support, resources and infrastructures is necessary for transformation.

As the Director of Student Inclusion at the Eleanor Glanville Institute and founder of the Critical Pedagogies in Sport international network, Hanya offered practical methods to instigate this change, stressing that access and participation should be a basic requirement.

Hanya said: “The opportunity to present my work to the Department of Culture Media and Sport was an absolute privilege and marked a significant day in my professional career. I hope my recommendations facilitate further debate and most importantly prompt action to ensure all people can access, enjoy and excel in sport.”

Hanya joined Dr Beth Clarkson (University of Portsmouth), Dr Rafaelle Nicholson (Bournemouth University) and Professor Stacey Pope (Durham University) on the academic panel and felt that each member had differing and complementary academic expertise covering sports governance, coaching, sports fandom, intersectionality, social justice, and culture.

The Women in Sport Inquiry academic panel session can be viewed by following this link: Parliamentlive.tv – Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Hanya’s previous response to the review into women’s football: Women’s football review proposes hard-hitting changes to address ongoing inequalities (theconversation.com)

Lincoln Policy Hub Blog where Hanya has written about her experience giving evidence to Parliament: University of Lincoln Professor calls for societal change at the Women in Sport Inquiry – Lincoln Policy Hub