Dear Mr. Colin Hide and University Administration, 

There are over 20,000 registered students at the University of Leicester. More than 52% of all full-time students are female and about 20% are international students that come from various cultural and religious backgrounds. As women studying at the University of Leicester, we would be interested in using the University Sports Centre but cannot do so because we do not feel comfortable when men are around (due to personal, cultural, or religious reasons).

What is needed is for the administration to accommodate women’s needs to have women’s-only hours at the Sports Centre, including access to the pool, fitness classes and cardio workout area. Leicester University would not be unique in making this change, as other universities across the UK already have dedicated gym time for women, including: Queen Mary University of London, Aston University, London South Bank University, University of Salford Manchester, and so many more.

By having women’s-only hours at the Sports Centre, a minority of women would have some access to fitness facilities that can enhance their well-being and quality of life. By creating women’s-only hours a few times a week, the University would also win new customers and expand its market share. It would also reflect positively on the University to be able to demonstrate its willingness to accommodate the needs of female students.

 We, the female student body at the University of Leicester, request that the Sports Centre adopt women’s-only hours in the pool, fitness classes and the cardio workout area.

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