EmpowerHER at Loughborough
2 - 8 March 2026
In celebration of International Women’s Day, EmpowerHER at Loughborough returns for its third year to break down barriers to physical activity for women and non-binary students and staff.
EmpowerHER is an initiative led by Loughborough Sport, all about creating welcoming, supportive, and inclusive spaces where you can move, connect, and feel empowered - free from judgment, pressure, or expectation.
We recognise that societal pressures, self-doubt, and past experiences can make getting active feel daunting. That’s why EmpowerHER offers a range of relaxed, beginner-friendly events and activities designed to help you build confidence, challenge perceptions, and prioritise your wellbeing, on your own terms.
Whether it’s a girls’ night in, a social walk, recreational sport, or a coffee and cake catch-up, there’s something for everyone. You might discover a new activity, meet like-minded people, or simply enjoy being part of a supportive community.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #GiveToGain, reminds us of the power of showing up for ourselves and each other. By giving it a go, you gain confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Schedule of events
EmpowerHER x AU Swimming
Saturday 28 February | Swimming Pool | 1pm
Join us for this free, coach-led, come-and-try, relaxed fitness swimming session. This session will be for women and non-binary students who can swim but would like the opportunity to do so in a friendly, supportive social environment. The session plan will be structured to accommodate a range of abilities provided by the coach.
Book via the Rec Sport section of the Lboro Sport app.
Korfball - Bring a friend
Monday 2 March | Sir David Wallace Sports Hall | 5-7pm
If you are a current student interested in trying out Korfball and your friend is a member of the Athletic Union club, they will be hosting a bring-a-friend session, so make sure to reach out to them and come along!
No booking required - just turn up.
Women's Football - Bring a friend
Monday 2 March | Holywell Rubber Crumb | 6:30-7:30pm
If you are a current student interested in trying out Football and your friend is a member of the Women's Football Athletic Union club, they will be hosting a bring-a-friend session, so make sure to reach out to them and come along!
No booking required - just turn up.
EmpowerHOUR Podcast
Tuesday 3 March
Join us for the EmpowerHOUR podcast release - available on Spotify on Tuesday 3 March.
Real talk about everyday problems, listener dilemmas answered, relatable stories and personal experiences and a space that feels like a chat with your friends
No pressure. No pretending. Just empowering conversations all in celebration of International Women's Day week.
Ultimate Frisbee - Bring a friend
Wednesday 4 March | PEC | 2-4pm
If you are a current student interested in trying out Ultimate Frisbee and your friend is a member of the Athletic Union club, they will be hosting a bring-a-friend session, so make sure to reach out to them and come along!
No booking required - just turn up.
Clay Pigeon Shooting - Bring a friend
Wednesday 4 March | Meet at the Swimming Pool | 1-5pm
If you are a current student interested in trying out Clay Pigeon Shooting and your friend is a member of the Athletic Union club, they will be hosting a bring-a-friend session, so make sure to reach out to them and come along! Meet at the Swimming Pool from 1pm.
No booking required - just turn up.
Table Tennis - Bring a friend
Saturday 7 March | New Victory Hall | 12-2pm
If you are a current student interested in trying out Table Tennis and your friend is a member of the Athletic Union club, they will be hosting a women's only bring-a-friend session, so make sure to reach out to them and come along!
No booking required - just turn up.
Testimonials
Hear from students who have previously taken part in EmpowerHER and discover what the experience meant to them.
From building confidence and trying new activities to meeting new people and feeling part of a supportive community, these stories highlight the real impact of getting involved.
The Bring a Friend Korfball session was such a fun, low-pressure way to introduce people to the sport and enjoy being active together. Empowerment, to me, is about feeling inspired and confident to try new things and grow. EmpowerHER is a brilliant opportunity to get involved, feel supported, and be inspired to be active!
Girls Night In was such a highlight! Doing creative activities and getting to know new people in a really welcoming space. I left with a strong sense of warmth and belonging, and even met a new tennis partner, which led me to try new sports. To me, empowerment means having the opportunity and freedom to do what feels right for you.
I focused on keeping the Cardio Tennis session motivational and high-energy so everyone felt included and encouraged. It’s important for men to support the creation of empowering spaces for women, especially in male-dominated sports. If you get the opportunity, do it! It’s incredibly rewarding to see people’s confidence and ability grow.
Empowerment is using your opportunities to make a positive difference. Through volunteering with Loughborough Lightning and the Athletic Union, I’ve helped give athletes the recognition they deserve and celebrate our community. EmpowerHER showed me that media can be a powerful way to keep sport inclusive and inspire others.