Why is there such a big difference between men and women in the sports world? Hans Agte wonders that. With the Power Meiden Haaglanden initiative, he wants to narrow that gap and create an accessible environment where girls can play sports.
‘There is always a reason to promote sport’, says Agte. ‘But I think that a lot is already being done for boys, which is why I wanted to come up with something especially for girls. I think a lot needs to be done before someone eventually joins an association. If you know that there is a project where you can exercise safely and for free, it might be easier.’
Hans Agte
Emotions
Agte indicates that the role of women in the sports world is slowly improving, but that there is still a lot of room for improvement. ‘When I look at men and women who play football, for example, I think: you’re not serious; you do the same, but one takes one and a half tons and the other gets an expense allowance. We also want to commit ourselves to that equal pay.’
The contrast between the treatment of men versus women is a matter of concern to Agte. ‘It sometimes evokes strong emotions, I don’t understand that there should be such a big difference. Not only in sports, but also in society. I want to work hard to counter that.’
Clinics
At the first edition of Power Girls on July 31, girls could participate in clinics by ADO women and badminton players from The Hague. “It was great,” he says. ‘Fifty to sixty children were laughing and playing sports, they didn’t have to do anything else for a while. Everyone got a snack and a drink and everything was sponsored. So whether you have a euro or not, everyone can participate.’
The second edition of Power Meiden Haaglanden will take place on Saturday 18 September. To register is still possible today.
