Sports clubs at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have signed a national pledge which encourages more women to get active and involved in sport.
The #ThisGirlCan campaign has been organised by De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU), jumping on the back of the national initiative to empower women and help them to feel good about themselves.
And this week, DMU’s Campus330 scheme, which offers FREE recreational sport opportunities to students, will feature events which are available to women only.
This is the third year running that DSU have backed the campaign after its success and influence on DMU students in previous years.
Led by Lauren Thomas, DSU’s Part-Time Women’s Representative, students from sports clubs gathered and signed the pledge at an official launch event held at the Campus Centre on Monday.
She said: “As your Women’s Representative, it gives me great pleasure to launch the #ThisGirlCan campaign to you all today.
“It is something I feel extremely passionately about and I know that this week, the events we hold will have a real bearing on the future involvement of women in sport at DMU.
“I want to break down the boundaries to participation and make women feel comfortable in being physically active on campus.”
Currently, 54% of students at DMU are women, while only 36% of active card holders are women- a statistic that Lauren wants to change.
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Lauren said: “I want this week to encourage female students to realise the importance of sport and to change the way they think about themselves.
“I want students to think, I can do that and I will do that. I think the campaign has a powerful message.”
Following Lauren’s opening speech, the DMU Zumba Society performed to the audience which had gathered in the Campus Centre atrium.
President Dan Winney, who led the #ThisGirlCan campaign last year, then addressed those in attendance, speaking highly of the initiative and how he hopes it will be just as successful this year.
He said: “#ThisGirlCan means a lot to me, because of the empowerment, confidence and unity it gives to women.
“Last year we saw a massive rise in women getting involved in all activities after #ThisGirlCan week and I hope that it happens again this year.
“Hopefully students will be inspired to try something new or have the belief to keep going through any adversities that they may face.”
The DMU Steppers then performed before students had the opportunity to officially put their name on the pledge to show their support.
Many also showed interest in the many Campus330 opportunities available to students throughout the week.
Dan added: “Unity is what women at DMU have in abundance and that’s no truer than when we look at our superb sports team and societies.
“I feel we don’t do it enough, but we need to reflect on how important these groups are to give women a platform to achieve all of their goals.”
For more information on #ThisGirlCan week visit: https://www.demontfortsu.com/news/article/8481/Lauren-to-lead-This-Girl-Can-week/
Posted on Monday 30 January 2017