The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is today (12 November) hosting the first oral evidence session at the House of Commons as part of its inquiry into women and sport.

Chaired by John Whittingdale, the first session will hear evidence from Tim Woodhouse, head of policy and external affairs at Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation; Rimla Akhtar from the Muslim Women's Sports Foundation; and Claire Wheeler, strategic lead for equity at charity Streetgames.

Jane Ashworth, CEO of StreetGames, called for the inquiry to "not forget" those who she said will stand to benefit most from getting more active – disadvantaged young women.

"Disadvantaged young people can expect to live almost eight years less than their more affluent peers and sport is a key way to address this inequality," she said.

"Yet, young people from disadvantaged areas participate in sport far less than their more affluent peers and this gap is even greater for young women from these areas. "

The first session of the inquiry will be streamed live on the parliament.tv public broadcast service.