What you’ll do here: Understand how overlapping identities shape sport participation, explore the nine common barriers and four specific barriers identified in MOTM research, and apply practical actions in mentoring.
Intersectionality means that people experience sport through multiple identity factors at once (for example: gender, migration status, class, religion, age, language, disability).
For mentors, this matters because barriers rarely come one by one — they usually overlap in daily life.
A newly arrived woman from Syria wants to join a local fitness class.
Combined effect: she may feel unsure where to start.
A Muslim woman who wears a hijab wants to swim.
If women-only options are missing, participation is limited.
A single mother from Eritrea wants to enrol her child in football.
Without practical support, participation becomes unlikely.
A woman from Afghanistan joins a local running group.
Even after joining, she may still feel isolated.
In your context, which combinations appear most often?
There is no single correct answer — use this as a team discussion prompt.
“At first, I felt unsure because I didn’t know anyone and struggled with English... But the community dance program changed that: they welcomed me and provided childcare.” — Sahra, sport participant from Somalia.
MOTM literature work highlighted nine common barriers to participation for women of migrant background. For safeguarding and escalation pathways related to these barriers, see Module 3: Safeguarding.
What it is: Missing women-only spaces, unsuitable rules, or environments that feel uncomfortable.
In practice: Mixed-gender settings or unsuitable dress policies can reduce participation.
What helps: Women-only sessions, female instructors, and flexible clothing options.
What it is: Direct or subtle exclusion linked to race, ethnicity, religion, or migration background.
In practice: Women may leave sport environments where they feel judged or unwelcome.
What helps: Anti-racism training, clear zero-tolerance policies, and inclusive club culture.
What it is: Multiple disadvantages acting together (e.g., gender + class + migration status).
In practice: One-size-fits-all programmes miss real-life complexity.
What helps: Flexible design (timing, childcare, affordability, language support).
What it is: Care duties, work pressure, and social expectations reduce available time and energy.
In practice: Women may prioritise family needs over their own activity.
What helps: Family-friendly formats, flexible attendance, and supportive communication.
What it is: Feeling inexperienced, unfit, or uncertain about rules and expectations.
In practice: Fear of embarrassment prevents joining.
What helps: Beginner groups, non-competitive formats, and encouragement-focused coaching.
What it is: Not knowing where to go, who to contact, or how to join.
In practice: Opportunities exist, but do not reach the women who need them.
What helps: Peer ambassadors, personal invitations, and trusted local networks.
What it is: Fees, transport, and equipment costs are too high.
In practice: Women postpone or avoid participation.
What helps: Subsidies, free trial periods, equipment banks, and reduced fees.
What it is: Limited host-language proficiency affects understanding and connection.
In practice: Instructions may feel unclear or intimidating.
What helps: Simple language, visuals, bilingual support, and demonstration-based coaching.
What it is: Few visible leaders or athletes with migrant backgrounds.
In practice: Women may not see sport spaces as “for people like me”.
What helps: Visible diverse leadership, mentoring, and inclusive communication campaigns.
MOTM questionnaires (women of migrant background + service providers) identified four additional barriers that often appear in local delivery contexts.
Feeling of non-belonging often comes from several factors together (gender, migration status, class, age, ethnicity), not from one single cause.
Use these short cases to identify barriers and choose one practical mentoring response.
Likes to swim and wants to join a club. She wears a hijab; her parents worry about mixed-gender teams; her English is limited.
Your notes (saved on this device only):
Recently moved and a single mother. She wants to join a running club but cannot afford sports gear.
Your notes (saved on this device only):
Because barriers are layered, solutions should also be layered.
Based on this page, what two changes could your organisation make in the next month to lower barriers for women of migrant background?