#OwnTheNight
Safety shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a right. No one should have to choose between their safety and their health.
92% of women reported feeling concerned for their safety*
Safety shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a right. No one should have to choose between their safety and their health.
In September 2024, Her Spirit, alongside Black Girls Do Run, conducted a Barriers Survey, revealing safety as a top concern stopping women from being active.
Our survey showed that for many, the shorter days and darker evenings increase fears around personal safety, creating a significant barrier to outdoor exercise.
These findings reinforce recent research from This Girl Can, which found that nearly half of women (48%) avoid outdoor activities after the clocks go back, and 60% worry about harassment or intimidation in the evening.
As the clocks go back, the #OwnTheNight campaign is calling for change. We need safer streets, better lighting, and stronger communities where women can move freely and confidently, without fear.
Whether you’re running, walking, or just stepping outside, every woman has the right to be on the streets.
Let’s end the choice between safety and health.
Join us in reclaiming the streets. #OwnTheNight
*Adidas 2023 Global Survey
It is time to end the choice between safety and health
#OwnTheNight
Calling all Women
Here’s how you can help: Download Her Spirit to connect with other women and women’s groups near you—because no woman should have to exercise alone.
Together, we can help each other feel safer, building stronger spaces and reclaiming the night, one stride at a time.
Her Spirit & Black Girls Do Run
Barriers Survey 2024
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There are 1 million more inactive women than men in the UK and 64% of girls drop out of activity by 16. Women and girls have been left behind in sports and physical activity participation for decades, with overwhelming data showing persistent disparities in opportunities, funding, and representation.
As a consequence, women and girls face a rising number of health inequalities at all stages of their lives that could be alleviated by moving more.
Her Spirit and Black Girls Do Run a London-based running group came together to gather insights from their communities about the barriers women face in sports and physical activity. Here's what we have learned so far:
Safety is a Top Concern: Many women feel unsafe exercising alone, especially during darker hours and are calling for more initiatives focused on women's safety.
Inclusivity Matters: Respondents want to see more representation of women of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and abilities in sports and media.
Female-Specific Support: There's a strong demand for female-only spaces, events, and resources like research and training focused on women's health, particularly around topics like menopause.
Health and Well-Being: Staying active is key to women's mental and physical health, but more supportive, flexible, and non-competitive environments are needed to encourage participation.
Help us create the largest-ever survey on the barriers to women’s activity. By sharing your insights, you’ll be part of a movement to drive real change for millions of women. Let’s work together to break down barriers and build a future where every woman can stay active, safe, and empowered.