Girls and adolescent women exercise less than men of the same age at all age levels, even if the gender differences have reduced somewhat over the last six years according to the current study “Sport Schweiz 2020 – Kinder- und Jugendbericht”. The difference already begins with the youngest and then continues through adolescence without growing any further. Many young women stop playing sport between the ages of ten and 14. There is also a lot of potential among girls and women with a migration background, among whom a lower affinity for sport could be found.

Dancing of all kinds generally meets with broad approval among girls, even in the phase during and after puberty, when sport is not necessarily the top priority for young girls and women. Dancing is done everywhere, and without much equipment: at the most diverse events, at school, in dance schools, in public places and of course also at home in one’s own four walls. It promotes a sense of community, team spirit, creativity, stamina, coordination, and cognitive skills. Social skills are developed, and the common goal and the joint activities promote cohesion, self-confidence, stress reduction and social integration. Dancing connects and acts as a link between girls, cultures, age categories and languages.

Local partner

DanceQweenz, a national, unique dance project, was launched by the Laureus Foundation Switzerland back in 2018; it supports girls and young women regardless of their origin or their social environment. The project was/is developed and implemented by infoklick.ch, Child and Youth Promotion Switzerland who offer easily understandable information and concrete support for all areas of life of children and young people and their caregivers.

The project takes all disciplines into account, is open to all girls and, with its workshops, coaching sessions, and contests, offers a low-threshold programme that focuses on trying things out, having fun, and enjoying the experience.