In a world still marked by sexism and early female dropouts, women choose single-sex sports to train together. Far from just focusing on performance, these spaces become places of trust, freedom, and sometimes reconstruction.
On a Tuesday in February in Rennes, Brittany, around fifteen female runners wait on the cozy Place Saint-Germain. The streetlights have just come on. Some wear socks or t-shirts with the logo of Run VNR, the name of their training group in chosen single-sex, meaning without cisgender men.
It is 6:30 p.m. A time when many no longer dared to run, or did so with some apprehension. This was the case for Vicky Fiquet, who founded Run VNR in 2022. “I realized that I was running less in the winter, not because I didn’t want to,” she explains. So, instead of joining a traditional training group, I quickly wanted single-sex training. As I had experienced in other community activities like singing or radio, I had realized that I felt better in this format, more comfortable, more free.
“Power dynamic”
Physical aggression, verbal violence, paternalism: sexism takes on various forms in sports, as elsewhere. “When I received unsolicited encouragement like ‘Go for it, you can do it!’ I felt like I must have looked like I was struggling,” recalls the 30-year-old woman from Rennes. But today, I have freed myself from this power dynamic. Yes, we are strong, and we don’t need men to encourage us!
Being called “chick” or experiencing flirting mixups did not please this communications manager either, as she strode along the Vilaine River, a bucolic but sometimes unsettling setting at nightfall.
Following the example of Run VNR, initiatives for single-sex sports or chosen single-sex settings have multiplied in recent years: swim lanes, women-only gyms, or running groups for girls.
For most, separating from men is not the end goal. It is a way to reclaim practices shaped by men. At Run VNR, performance is not part of the project. “Often, when we want to join a mixed club, they ask for our times,” says Vicky Fiquet. This is not the case with us. In fact, when a female runner falls behind, we wait for her.
“Body specificities”
For French sociologist Haifa Tlili, single-sex environments can offer a caring setting. It promotes a less competition-focused practice, where one can take the time to learn and test disciplines without fearing the boys’ judgment.
Presented in mid-January, a study by the MGEN (Mutuelle Générale de l’Éducation Nationale) highlights a persistent inequality. It reveals that 45.2% of teenage girls quit sports regardless of their willingness.
For more than two-thirds of respondents, the lack of consideration for female body specificities, especially changes related to puberty, explains this dropout.
In this context, single-sex can be a lever for more equality. “Women don’t do sports like men,” says Valérie Domain, founder of Ablock!. She mentions a breathing space, where a form of sisterhood can develop.
However, single-sex is not always the solution. It can also perpetuate certain stereotypes. “Some female athletes do not appreciate this setting,” notes Haifa Tlili.
“Adapting practices”
The sports world remains predominantly male, especially among coaches and leaders. “Today, I see parents wondering if there is a woman in charge,” says Jessika Guehaseim, highlighting the reality.
Faced with this reality, Haifa Tlili advocates for dialogue to adapt practices. “Whether single-sex or not, the important thing is to develop spaces that respect women’s needs.”
“Safe space,” “well-being space”: Single-sex also raises criticism, sometimes with an ideological background. Some politicians regularly oppose women-only sessions.
But as the Run VNR group grows, Vicky Fiquet also receives hostile messages. “It is almost always men who think our practice is hostile to them,” she whispers, before setting off with her group in the Breton night.
FAQ
Single-sex in sports: what does it mean?
Single-sex in sports refers to spaces where women choose to practice among themselves, without male presence. These initiatives are developing to respond to a sense of insecurity, discomfort, or domination in traditional sports environments.
Why do women choose these spaces?
Faced with sexism, inappropriate remarks, or paternalistic behaviors, some female athletes prefer to train with other women. These spaces allow them to feel more comfortable, practice without judgment, and regain confidence.
A lever against quitting sports
According to a study by the MGEN, 45.2% of teenage girls quit sports regardless of their willingness. Single-sex can offer a more suitable framework, especially by considering female body specificities and puberty-related issues.
Spaces for well-being but not without debate
While these practices promote sisterhood and well-being, they also raise criticisms. Some voices denounce a risk of isolation or reproduction of stereotypes. Others see it as a necessary tool to rebalance an environment still largely male-dominated.
