Breaking barriers: Women in sport and the power of self-belief

07 April 2025 10:00

As Sport and Faith Leader Jo has explored in previous posts about the barriers to women’s participation in sport and the importance of fostering self-esteem, this blog continues the conversation by highlighting how sport can play a key role in breaking negative cycles and building confidence for women of all ages.

"What an inspiration Manette Baillie is! Last month, at the ripe old age of 102, she jumped out of an aeroplane in Sussex! What an inspiring woman — who’s your inspiration?

Click here for the story.

As I’m currently training to become a Pilates instructor in a world where age matters, it’s no mean feat. As a mature member of the Sportily team, my motivation to improve my own fitness aligns with my determination to see others get fitter, improve their posture, breathe better, and live life to the full, just like Manette. However, I sometimes catch myself thinking… ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m not thin enough’, or ‘I’m too old’. It’s then that I realise I’m trapped in a negative self-esteem loop and need to break free!

It seems to be becoming increasingly difficult for women to have high self-esteem and to love themselves for who they are in a world full of expectations, ‘thinspiration’, and unprecedented pressure on women to be perfect — especially through social media. Although there have been many advertising campaigns celebrating voluptuous figures, such as F&F and Dove, I wonder how that translates into women’s body positivity in real life and whether it really builds our self-esteem.

The NHS has researched self-esteem and shares the following definition and accompanying information: "Self-esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves, and low self-esteem often begins in childhood. Our teachers, friends, siblings, parents, and even the media send us positive and negative messages about ourselves."

They state that, "When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about ourselves and life in general. It makes us more able to deal with life’s ups and downs. However, when our self-esteem is low, we tend to see ourselves and our lives in a more negative and critical light. We also feel less able to take on the challenges that life throws at us."

Perhaps you’ve found it difficult to live up to other people’s expectations of you, or even your own? This can also have a negative effect on your self-esteem. It seems that some people are just more prone to negative thinking, while others set impossibly high standards for themselves and want everything to be perfect! Do you see a glass half full or half empty?

Research suggests that if you have low self-esteem or confidence, you may hide yourself away from social situations, stop trying new things, and avoid things you find challenging.

Maybe there are a few steps that you could take to help build your own self-esteem or that of a young person or loved one. Sport is a healthy and positive way to start the journey. Click here to find out what the NHS share about the benefits of exercise.

There is a lot of advice in the media offering to help improve your self-esteem, but I personally find that the Bible provides words of encouragement for me in Philippians 4:6-7 NIV, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Friends, family, and I sometimes catch my negative words, and my thoughts then become actions and my face downcast. But when I cling onto God’s words, it breaks the cycle. How do you build positive self-esteem in yourself and others?

Click here to find out more about ways to improve your self-esteem from YoungMinds.

At Sportily, we want people to #MoveMore, to #GiveItAGo, and #TrySomethingNew. We work with people from zero to one hundred (and two) and are a fun and friendly group of employees, sessional workers, and volunteers who truly believe that you matter. We have your health and wellbeing in mind and offer a variety of activities, events, and sports for you to enjoy. Your self-esteem and confidence will hit an all-time high if you come and join in with us.

It’s not too late to change the habit of a lifetime, but it does take time to adjust to the routine. Why not click here and let us help you take the first step?

To read Jo's previous blog posts, click the links below:

Did you know that there are fewer girls participating in sport?

Why is women's participation in sort lower than mens?

References: NHS website