Why 45% of Girls Quit Sports — And Why It Matters for Leadership

45% of girls quit sports and low body confidence is the main reason.

A study commissioned by Dove and Nike found that low body confidence is the reason why 45% of girls worldwide give up sports every year. That’s twice the rate of boys.

Almost all CEOs used to play sports. That doesn’t really surprise us, does it?

Sports don’t just build self-confidence. They also teach discipline, resilience, and the power of teamwork and often become an early foundation for leadership development.

If we want to see more women in leadership positions in the future, we need to pay attention to what happens much earlier: whether girls feel confident enough in their bodies to stay in the spaces that shape confidence, ambition, and leadership in the first place.

The “Body Confident Sport” program, created in collaboration with Nike, is a unique, scientifically tested coaching tool designed to help girls aged 11–17 develop stronger body confidence, so they continue participating in the sports they love instead of dropping out.

In my view, this is a powerful initiative and a strong example of a brand using education, research, and awareness to create meaningful impact rather than just messaging.

Because confidence isn’t something we suddenly develop in adulthood. It’s something we either build or lose much earlier.

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#Keepherconfident #DoveSelfEsteemProject #FemaleLeadership