LIFI25: How level is the playing field?
18 Oct 2025
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Tickets£10.00
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VenueCourtyard
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Running time90 mins
Women’s sport is finally getting the spotlight it deserves—bigger crowds, more funding, and growing visibility on screens and in stadiums. But beneath the progress lies a harsh reality.
Gender pay gaps, poor TV scheduling, sexist commentary, homophobia, trans exclusion, racial underrepresentation, and body shaming are still an everyday occurrence. So, how far have we really come—and what needs to change next?
Join our expert panel as they use their first-hand experience to discuss the inequalities facing women in sport—and how we create a profession that’s equal, inclusive, and empowering for all
Priority booking
Priority booking is available for users with a Playhouse Pass, Priority Access, Supporters’ Club or Under 30s membership from 19 Jun 25 at 1pm. General booking will open on 24 Jun 25 at 12:30pm.
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Who's who?
Shebahn Aherne
Host
Emily Campbell
Speaker
Leanne Norman
Speaker
Verity Smith
Speaker
Fara Williams MBE
Speaker
BIOGRAPHIES
Shebahn Aherne is a dynamic TV and radio broadcaster, known for spotlighting women’s sport, equality, and culture, including fronting coverage on talkSPORT and Sky Sports. Shebahn Aherne is a leading broadcaster, journalist, and host known for tackling sport, cultural, and social issues. With a background in radio and television, Shebahn has fronted coverage for talkSPORT and Sky Sports, national campaigns, and panel debates.
Shebahn’s inclusive approach deepens any conversation around women’s sport,
equality, and representation.
Emily Campbell is a trailblazing weightlifter and passionate ambassador for diversity and body confidence. She is a multiple Olympic, Commonwealth, European, and World Championship medallist.
Emily Campbell is a trailblazing weightlifter, Olympic silver and bronze medallist, and the first British woman to win a weightlifting Olympic medal at Tokyo 2020. She is a multiple Gold Commonwealth, European, and World Championship medallist, making her one of weightlifting’s most inspiring athletes and a passionate ambassador for
diversity.
Professor Leanne Norman leads research on equality in sport, advocating for women in leadership and helping global sport organisations create more inclusive, diverse sporting environments.
Professor Leanne Norman is Director of the Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society at Leeds Beckett University. She is passionate about making sport fairer and more inclusive—especially for women in leadership and coaching roles. Leanne’s work challenges gender inequalities, supporting global sport organisations to build more inclusive and diverse environments.
Verity Smith is an award-winning wheelchair rugby player and LGBT+ activist, advocating for trans inclusion in sport and inspiring change through anti discrimination campaigning.
Verity Smith is an award-winning rugby player and LGBT+ activist. As a gay, disabled
trans man, Verity campaigns for trans inclusion in sports and served as diversity and
inclusion lead for International Gay Rugby. Starting in elite women’s rugby, Verity now represents Leeds Rhinos in UK Super League wheelchair rugby.
Fara Williams MBE, England’s most capped English footballer, is now a prominent TV pundit, podcaster, and passionate advocate for charity and the women’s game.
Fara Williams MBE is a former professional footballer with an illustrious career at
Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal, and the 2012 Olympics. Her 172 appearances make Fara the most capped player in English football history. Fara is now a podcaster, charity
advocate, and leading TV football pundit for men’s and women’s matches.
