In May 2022, Gloucestershire has become the first cricket club in the world to partner with the #HerGameToo campaign - which aims to raise awareness of sexist abuse within sport.
The fan-led, voluntary organisation focuses on ensuring women and girls are welcomed and respected equally within sport. #HerGameToo was first launched in May 2021 and has since partnered with dozens of professional football clubs including Bristol Rovers, Leeds United and Everton.
By partnering with #HerGameToo alongside Western Storm, the women’s cricket team representing the South West and Wales, Glos aims to ensure cricket is a game for everyone and that all females feel the Seat Unique Stadium is a safe place to come and watch their team in action. The Club will also implement a system for all visitors and spectators to report any sexist abuse experienced at Gloucestershire’s home venues.
The aims of the #hergametoo campaign at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club are:
- Create strong relationships with Clubs, Trusts, and Foundations
- Research and recognise cricket specific issues
- Improve the presence at cricket grounds to build a more welcoming environment for young girls and women
- Continue to campaign against sexism and online abuse in cricket
- Keep championing women within cricket (players, staff, AND fans)
- Educate around equality throughout the game
- To create a strong sense of community
Co-founder of the #HerGameToo campaign, Caz May, said: "We are delighted to be taking #HerGameToo into cricket. Since we launched we've had plenty of women and girls speak up about their experiences in other sports, so this campaign isn't necessarily unique to football.
“We have some great ambassadors for cricket on our team already who can work with Gloucestershire Cricket to drive this forward and begin making a change in the world of cricket. We would like to thank Glos for this opportunity and for becoming the first cricket team to take this vital step in supporting #HerGameToo."
Gloucestershire Cricket stands against all forms of sexist abuse and is committed to campaigning against all types of discrimination in sport, including cricket. Sexist abuse or harassment will not be tolerated at Gloucestershire and by working closely with the #HerGameToo campaign, we hope to create a safe environment for all supporters.
The Club aims to help increase the profile of #HerGameToo and will kick off its support of the movement by raising awareness of the campaign at the Seat Unique Stadium on Wednesday 1 June, when Gloucestershire face Kent Spitfires in the T20 Vitality Blast and Western Storm take on South East Stars in back-to-back fixtures.
Community Programmes Officer, Jess Jones, said: “The Seat Unique Stadium is not only home to Gloucestershire Cricket but also the women of Western Storm, who are perfect role models for women and girls going into the sport. We’re delighted to be supporting the #HerGameToo campaign and everyone at the Club is a supporter of their work.
“We firmly believe cricket is a game for all and we want to ensure women know that Glos Cricket is a place where they can come and enjoy the sport without fear of judgement based on their gender.”
