EDM 1415: Experiences of women athletes at the Leander Rowing Club

That this House notes with concern reports that women athletes at the Leander Club have felt that they cannot safely train alongside their male teammates due to the Club's handling of allegations of sexual assault and harassment made against male athletes; further notes that the Leander Club is a prestigious organisation which has a responsibility to set a positive example; expresses particular concern that in October 2023 athletes had to express that they were deeply uncomfortable that a teammate against whom serious allegations were made was permitted to continue using shared facilities alongside women members including his accuser and believe this represents a serious failure in safeguarding; supports the decision of the women members to wear the white ribbon during their dispute about how these complaints were handled, a symbol of protest against male violence against women; calls upon the Leander Club to review its complaints and safeguarding procedures in light of these revelations to ensure that they are adequate and appropriate; calls upon British Rowing to investigate whether these serious allegations were appropriately handled, as well as allegations of a toxic and bullying culture at the Oxford Brookes Rowing Club, and to ensure all rowing clubs are reminded of their responsibilities; notes that male violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, happens in all contexts and social strata within our society; condemns male violence against women and girls wherever and however it occurs; and asks the Government to recommit to working to eradicate male violence against women and girls.