Sports award inequalities entrench male bias - Jo

4.00.00pm GMT Fri 24th Mar 2006

Jo Swinson MP has criticised Ministers for failing to give equal financial support to male and female athletes.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Jo questioned Minister for Women Meg Munn over recent Athlete Personal Awards (APAs) given out by administrator UK Sport, that saw male athletes receive over 50% more money than their female colleagues.

Jo commented:

"We live in a culture that has an established male bias in its sporting role models. While many male athletes from a range of sports are household names, there are few women that are as widely recognised, and they typically compete in a narrower range of sports.

"By awarding £3.8 million to male athletes, over 50% more than the £2.3 million awarded to female athletes, the Government is further entrenching this male bias among role models. Aspiring young female athletes deserve as many female as male role models to look up to."