A long-standing sports club has signed up to the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, as part of their mission to create an environment where women and girls feel respected and able to speak up.
Old Northamptonian’s Association, on Billing Road, is the first multi-use sport club to back the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone’s campaign, which calls on organisations to create an inclusive culture.
The club has been steeped in male sporting history for more than 100 years but is now also home to women’s rugby and cricket with football launching in summer.
Old Northamptonians Association Head of Girls and Ladies Sport, Nikki Clarke-Rogers (pictured), said the club’s bold vision to keep improving female sport aligns with the Charter’s wish for respectful environments where women and girls can thrive.
She said: “The Women’s Charter sets a clear expectation that women and girls should feel safe, respected and valued in sport. That shouldn’t be aspirational, it should be the standard. Across rugby, cricket and football, we are committed to making that real every single day.
“This is also a challenge to others. If we want to grow women’s and girls’ sport properly, we all must step forward, raise standards and be accountable for the environments we create.
“Our members and wider community will play a huge role in this, helping us turn commitment into action, and ensuring women’s and girls’ sport is visible, valued and protected for the future.”
The Northamptonshire Women’s Charter was launched in December and already has 78 signatories – including a railway operator, housing association, businesses and Member of Parliament.
They’ve each backed Danielle Stone’s mandate for organisations and workplaces across Northamptonshire to promote cultures preventing harmful attitudes, take reports of harm seriously and promote equality.
After signing up, they each get access to an exclusive Charter Toolkit including practical steps – such as survey support, bespoke training packages and policy guidance – to prevent harm and capture the changes women want to see.
Danielle Stone said: “Visiting the club allowed me to witness the hard work going on behind the scenes at Old Northamptonian’s Association to keep women and girls – and all their players safe.
“The club describes itself as a family and a community – and keeping women and girls safe is a shared responsibility for everyone, which is essential to delivering effective and lasting change.
“I’m continually inspired by the many organisations who have backed my pledge and are showing their support for Northamptonshire’s ambition to be a safe place for all women and girls.”
The next Women’s Charter webinar, hosted by Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, takes place on May 14. It will help workplaces spot the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond.
To sign up for free, please visit the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s website for more information.
