Let me be absolutely clear. I think that every subject is up for clear and respectful debate in the chamber. It is really important that we are able to discuss difficult issues, on which we may disagree, respectfully. We need to be very, very careful about ensuring that we do not perpetuate misinformation around these very sensitive themes. I would plead with everyone to take care on that.

In relation to my view on Seb Coe’s views, I note that the UK sports councils’ guidance is absolutely clear that transgender inclusion, fairness and safety cannot be balanced in gender-affected sport. The International Olympic Committee is absolutely clear in its framework on fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination. It recognises that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. The Equality Act 2010 also includes an explicit exemption that allows organisations that deliver sport to exclude transgender participants from participating in the sex category with which they identify

“where physical strength, stamina or physique are major factors in determining success or failure, and in which one sex is generally at a disadvantage in comparison with the other. It also makes it lawful to restrict participation of transsexual people in such competitions if this is necessary to uphold fair or safe competition, but not otherwise.”

This year’s theme is leadership, and it is vital that we have both female and male leaders and mentors in sport driving change for women and girls, whether they are friends or family members, community leaders, coaches, people in the boardroom, or sports bodies. I am absolutely sure that many members in the chamber will know such people. We want individuals and organisations to consider how they are ensuring that their communities are represented at all levels and how they are helping to drive an inclusive and collaborative culture and address the intersectionality of additional barriers to participation.

This year, we have all been able to admire the performance of Scottish women on the world’s biggest sports stages. We should acknowledge how impactful they are as role models for women and girls, helping to challenge norms and dismantle harmful misconceptions, replacing them with images of female empowerment. I warmly congratulate our Olympic and Paralympic athletes, who did just that at Paris this year. From Sammi Kinghorn, who set a new Paralympic record in the T53 100m, to Eilish McColgan, who became the first Scottish four-time track and field Olympian, Scottish athletes have done us proud and their leadership will be an inspiration for the next generation.

We know that you cannot be what you cannot see, and increasing the visibility of women in sport can create a ripple effect and empower others to participate. I know that fantastic work is going on across the sports sector to provide opportunities for women and girls, and I take this opportunity to thank all the hard-working individuals who go above and beyond.

Just yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting Street Soccer Scotland, and I got to see its street 45 programme for women in action. I met incredible female leaders and participants, and I heard about the many benefits that the programme provides. I heard really powerful stories of recovery, of women learning new skills and fulfilling untapped potential, and of women accepting themselves. For some of them, it was the first time in their lives that they had done that. They spoke about the warm welcome and the support, and they said that they did not face judgment—again, for some of them, it was the very first time in their lives that that had happened. That is the power of sport. Who would not want that for everyone?

On Monday, the First Minister launched women and girls in sport week at the University of the Highlands and Islands Perth and announced sportscotland’s new investment of £1.45 million in the active campus network. That extends the investment in the programme, which started in 2023, by a further two years, so it will now run until 2027. It will further serve the college’s diverse student community by creating a more representative and inclusive sporting system and supporting more women to participate.

I am very much looking forward to further engagements this week, and I know that my ministerial colleagues feel the same. I was delighted to learn that there will be 10 ministerial engagements during women and girls in sport week, across a range of portfolios. That is a testament to our commitment to women and girls in sport. I encourage all members of Parliament, partners and individuals across Scotland to consider how they can get involved—not just this week, but every week—in encouraging more women and girls to be active and to support the week on social media by using the hashtag #SheCanSheWill. I look forward to seeing members’ support.

The second members’ business debate will be published tomorrow, 2 October 2024, as soon as the text is available.