28/05/2026
Women and Girls Outdoors: Knowledge Exchange Event
Yesterday, we presented at the Thrive Outdoors event about the barriers to girls playing out and the way forward to ensure every child can access their right to play!
Context:
⬇️ Only 1 in 4 children play outside regularly, compared to 3 in 4 in their grandparents' generation
♀️ Girls play outside less than boys from as young as 2
The Why:
🔍 Public Opinion: parents say they are worried about what their neighbours will think if they let their children play outside. Children say they face hostility when playing or hanging out in public spaces.
🚗 Cars: residential streets used to be where children played, now they are where we park our cars. Cars also contribute to the public domain feeling less safe for children, as road traffic accidents pose a threat to life
🚸 Risk aversion: parents and practitioners are more risk-averse than they used to be. Children have less independence and do not engage in as much risky play. Girls are told to "be careful" faster and more often than boys.
🌳 Parks are not designed for girls: especially after age 10, the facilities for young people tend to be MUGAs, pump tracks, and skateparks. They are used primarily by boys, and girls do not feel welcome. There are no public spaces in the UK designed by and for girls.
How Do We Change This?:
🙋 Park design should include direct engagement with girls. Play Scotland has a comprehensive guide on how to engage children and young people in Play Park evaluation and design: https://www.playscotland.org/resources/getting-it-right-for-play-2025-revised-version/
♿ Take an intersectional approach and ensure spaces are accessible and inclusive.http://www.playscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/Free-to-Play-Guide-to-Accessible-and-Inclusive-Play-Spaces-Casey-Harbottle-2018.pdf
💪 Take a Benefit-Risk approach to play https://www.playscotland.org/schools-childcare/managing-risk-play-provision/
⚖️ Support Gender Equal Play https://www.playscotland.org/gender-and-play/
