Women face 'hidden curfew' for exercise as evenings darken

The clocks have gone back and, for many women, the freedom to exercise outdoors has gone with them as darker evenings bring a "hidden curfew", according to the This Girl Can campaign.

The campaign's new nationwide movement, Let's Lift the Curfew, says its research suggests more than half of women in the South West, 58%, feel unsafe exercising alone after dark.

Head of campaigns, Kate Peers, said: "We want to raise awareness of how safety concerns can stop women being active outdoors once the clocks go back."

This Girl Can is run by Sport England and funded by The National Lottery to help women and girls of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and backgrounds get active without fear of judgment.

Their Let's Lift the Curfew movement aims to bring women together through organised walks, runs and community activities.

Almost two-thirds of women said personal safety could be a bigger barrier to outdoor exercise than bad weather, lack of time or motivation.

Peers added: "What's driving that is a concern over sexual harassment and intimidation, and a fear of being followed.

"What's encouraging is nearly 60% of men believe they do have a role to play in helping women feel safer when exercising outdoors."

Bristol-based running group This Woman Runs was started in Greville Smyth Park to encourage women to start their exercising journey and provide a safe space to bring women together.

Rachael James, the group's community leader, said: "When I run in the evenings, I always think about where I'm running and try to wear reflective clothing so I can easily be seen."

She added: "It's those situations, like running past a group of lads and getting catcalled, that make women feel less comfortable exercising after dark."

Laura Brooks, the programme manager at This Woman Runs, said: "By using these spaces like our streets and our parks, we are then making them feel safer and like we're taking them back, which encourages other people to use those spaces."

On Wednesday, the running group is taking part in the Let's lift the Curfew campaign by heading out wearing head torches, glow sticks and high visibility clothing.

More than 390 events are planned to take place across the country, with opportunities for women to get involved locally.

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