The Importance of Allyship in Sports

White Ribbon UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Henry Hughes DLY to the White Ribbon UK Board of Trustees. Hear from Henry about his motivations for becoming a White Ribbon Trustee and the importance of being an ally to women and girls in sports. 

I am honoured to join the White Ribbon UK Board of Trustees representing young people, people with disabilities, and athletes to ensure that sport is a safe space for women and girls to participate, compete and achieve their dreams in. I am also keen to support the work that White Ribbon UK is doing outside of sport, and how it is working to foster whole-society culture change to prevent violence against women and girls. 

I am a Deaflympian and a former decorated Australian Deaf Swimming Team Captain, I represented Australia three times on the international scene, but I always wanted to represent Great Britain, hence why I moved here to do so in preparation for the Deaflympics in 2025.  

Outside the pool, I am a huge advocate for many issues across many roles for a number of organisations. I am also a huge sports fan, and you will often see me watching Chelsea FC or F1 racing! I am delighted to have met the criteria that allowed me to become a Trustee for such an important cause and for a wonderful charity. 

Given my love for sport, I would like to focus on what it means to be a man and an ally in sport given women and girls experiences.  

Is Sexism In Sports Really a Thing… Yes, It Is.  

Almost three quarters of elite British sportswomen have experienced sexism in their sport. (BBC, 2024)  

As a male athlete, I have seen sexism throughout my career and it is pretty hard not to see it or ignore it, I always try where I can to voice the concerns of female athletes, whether it is their safety, welfare or say in the performance matters.  

My swimming squads were always better when we had a balanced ratio of male to female athletes, especially in a sport like swimming, we train with female athletes as our teammates during the sessions. Some of my best training partners have all been female athletes wanting to prove to the world and the sport that they are better at what they do and achieving what others could not do.  

From a culture perspective, having female athletes that feel safe in their sporting environment, is not just great for them, it is also a result of great team culture, it means that boys and men are respecting the boundaries and dignity of their female counterparts in sport.  

Tip - Support female athletes and teams in their respective competitions and training environments. Show them the level of support, respect, professionalism and encouragement that you would do for their male counterparts.  

The Role Social Media Plays In Amplifying Trolls  

More than a third of elite British sportswomen have been trolled on social media and a quarter have received social media abuse of a sexual nature. (BBC, 2024)  

Fun fact, I was a Volunteer for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it was the event of a lifetime, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing a role in it. But I also saw the dark side of trolls abusing our Lionesses after the Women’s World Cup Final, they lived on social media and often in the dark corners under the bridge, this is unacceptable.  

Defeat in sport means reflection of performance and rebuilding again, not violating the healing space of our players as they swallow the realities of defeat. We need to recognise what is acceptable criticism for our athletes and what is flat out harassment, our sports and female participation depends on it.  

Tip - Think about the media you consume, how you engage with it and the impact that it might have on women. Listen to and acknowledge the lived experiences of women in sports, and female sports fans.  

The Gym Is For Everyone, Not Just For Guys Lifting Weights.  

6 in 10 women have felt harassed in the gym by a man. (Origym, 2021)  

The gym is for everyone, not just for guys lifting weights looking in the mirror. Women and girls should also be able to work out and appreciate their own form in the gym without the whistling and staring culture putting them off doing so.  

Gyms are considered a professional workplace where athletes and exercisers should be able to work out in peace. So be mindful when considering how you are behaving in the gym, support your female counterparts and make them feel included in the positive gym culture that we desire.  

Tip - Reflect on your own attitudes, behaviours and assumptions, and encourage your friends, colleagues and family to do the same when going to the gym.  

Matchdays Are For Sport, Not A Whistling Match.  

52% of women fans have experienced sexist behaviour or language on matchdays (Kick It Out, 2024)  

Matchdays are for enjoyment of all fans, not just boys and men. That includes girls and women feeling safe in the crowds on matchdays. Sport fans are not just made up of men, they are female as well, so they should be treated respectfully and equally on matchday.  

I have seen it when going to a football game and a group of men try to disturb female fans, it is ugly, it is disgusting and it should be called out, please do not use the excuse “it is the alcohol talking” or “it is just a bit of fun”. I will be the first one to tell you, it is not funny, it is not fun, you also look really stupid and weird when you do act in that way, know your limits and understand the boundaries of those around you.  

Tip - Call out sexism and harassment when you see it or change the subject. Say "I'm not OK with that” when you hear sexist 'jokes' from friends, family and colleagues to be more inclusive to female sport goers.  

Conclusion  

Hopefully that was insightful for the men reading to better understand a bit of what women and girls experience in sport whether they are an athlete, spectator, staff or however they contribute to the sports we love. I am personally inviting you to wear a White Ribbon at sports events to show people that you are committed to preventing men's violence against women and girls. You can also make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women.  

I’m sure you will hear from me again soon with updates of the work we are doing at White Ribbon UK. Remember, hear it, see it, call it out for a safe space for all girls and women.