Across Aotearoa, too many girls drift away from movement and physical activity during the years they need it most. By their late teens, participation in sport and physical activity drops sharply - and with it, confidence, connection, and the simple joy of movement.

Research from Sport NZ shows that by age 17, young women spend 28% less time being physically active than their male peers, and that 85% of girls aged 11-17 do not meet the World Health Organization’s daily activity guidelines. From around age 15, the number of activities girls take part in falls by nearly a third - a much steeper decline than among boys. The reasons are complex but familiar: lack of confidence, feeling judged, not having friends to join in with, and increasing pressure on time and priorities.

Her Move Activities Club (HMAC) is Youthtown’s answer to that challenge. Co-designed with girls, not just for them, Her Move Activities Club helps young women discover movement they love - on their own terms. Whether it’s dance, fitness, games, or outdoor adventure, Her Move Activities Club creates safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces where girls can connect, grow, and lead.

Each club is shaped by its participants. Youthtown facilitators work alongside schools and community partners to co-create sessions that reflect what the girls want - and what makes them feel good. The focus is on participation and confidence rather than competition, celebrating small wins and encouraging every young person to find her own rhythm.

Her Move Activities Club sessions also weave in wellbeing and leadership skills. Participants learn to set goals, support others, and recognise how movement benefits their mental health. In many locations, older students take on mentoring roles - creating strong role models and ensuring the programme feels authentic and youth-led.

The results are uplifting. Schools report improved attendance, better focus in class, and stronger relationships between students. For many participants, Her Move Activities Club has been the first time they’ve seen physical activity as something for them - not just for the sporty or competitive.

“Before, I didn’t think I was the kind of person who did sport,” says Hana*, Her Move participant. “Now I just feel happy moving. I’ve made friends and I’m more confident in myself.”

For schools and communities, Her Move Activities Club offers a proven way to lift wellbeing and belonging among girls, one step, stretch, and smile at a time. Empowering young people to be the best they can be.

We currently deliver our Her Move Activities Club programmes in North Shore, West Auckland, South Auckland, Hamilton, Matamata, Upper Hutt, Christchurch and Oamaru.

Find more information here or contact our team at info@youthtown.org.nz to bring Her Move to your school or community group.

*Quote source – Her Move Activities Club – Secondary Data Evaluation Report (2022 to 2025). Produced by Centre for Community Research and Evaluation, University of Auckland.

Article added: Friday 07 November 2025