Celebrating Women in sports: Struggles, achievements and legacies
Recent times have seen the strong emergence of women in the sports arena, from championship tournaments to Olympic games. Over 45% of all participating Olympic athletes are women and female participation in sports has increased by 560% since 1972. The power, skill, and determination of women in sports has become an unstoppable force, constantly changing the boundaries of athleticism and inspiring generations to come.
However, the road to such impressive feats was not an easy one. Until around the 1920’s society looked down on women who entertained dreams of athleticism and many worried that physical exertion would harm a women’s reproductive system. Women struggled through racial prejudice, feminine stereotypes and imposed sexism, and the idea that women only had a certain amount of energy in their bodies, and none of it should be wasted on sports.
Through small steps, such as Olympic games for women, the creation of women’s athletic programs, and the creation of a baseball league, women worked hard to gain themselves a name and space in the male dominated field. Their efforts culminated in the passing of Title IX, which provided women equality in sports and education.
As the tides began to turn, courageous women athletes emerged from the shadows, determined to leave a mark on the world of sports. Trailblazers like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Wilma Rudolph paved the way for future generations, becoming household names synonymous with excellence and resilience. Their triumphs transcended the boundaries of gender, inspiring women around the globe to pursue their athletic dreams.
Today, we see a new generation of formidable athletes have taken to the stage, carrying the torch of empowerment and igniting a passion for women’s sports that continues to grow. Names like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, and Naomi Osaka have become synonymous with strength, grace, and unrivaled skill. They have shattered records, shattered glass ceilings, and shattered any notion that women cannot dominate in the realm of athletics.
Despite the efforts of these legends to prove time and time again that athleticism can not be confined to a single gender, women still face many challenges. Female athletes often receive less recognition, resources, and support compared to their male counterparts. They encounter barriers such as limited access to training facilities, sponsorship opportunities, and career advancement.
Historically, women in the world of sports have also been under-represented in the media. One statistic shows that even though 40% of athletes are women, female sports and players only receive around 4% of the total sports coverage. The media representation also makes it hard for women to gain proper coverage. Much of the coverage sees female athletes as women, not athletes, which perpetuates many stereotypes and overshadows accomplishments.
Female sports also face underfunding. Not only are most female athletes paid less in comparison to their male equivalents, their programs are often also less funded than male sports programs. One eye-opening fact highlights this stark and stunning disparity: The highest-paid female athlete, Naomi Osaka, made $37.4 million in 2020, whereas the highest-paid male athlete, Roger Federer, made $106.3 million. This discrepancy means that it is harder to support the development and growth of female athletes, leagues and tournaments.
Creating equal access and opportunities for women in sports is essential for their empowerment and growth. Initiatives and programs aimed at bridging the gender gap in sports provide platforms for women to participate and excel at all levels. This includes promoting girls’ participation in sports from a young age, implementing inclusive policies in sports organizations, and providing resources and support for female athletes. By addressing the barriers that hinder women’s access to sports, we can empower them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Sports are unique in their ability to unite and inspire people from all walks of life. They contribute to healthy lifestyles, build character and foster personal growth. By recognizing the pitfalls of the athletic system for women we can help ensure the continuation of the legacy that generations of female athletes have already built.
Sources
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Concordia St. Paul. “Infographic: Top Paid Athletes by Gender.” Concordia St. Paul, 7 Sept. 2022, kinesiology.csp.edu/sports-coaches-and-trainers/infographic-top-paid-athletes-by-gender/.
Gender Equality and Media — Council of Europe, rm.coe.int/gender-mainstreaming-toolkit-19-gender-equality-and-media/168092e9b9. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
“Gender Equality in Sports Media.” UNESCO, 24 July 2019, webarchive.unesco.org/web/20230104165710/https://en.unesco.org/themes/gender-equality-sports-media#:~:text=Portrayal%20of%20Women%20in%20Sports%20Media&text=Media%20tend%20to%20represent%20women,dominating%2C%20and%20valued%20as%20athletes.
Name, et al. “The Top 10 Women’s Sports Events Taking Place in 2023.” The Women Achiever, 3 Feb. 2023, www.thewomenachiever.com/business/the-top-10-womens-sports-events-taking-place-in-2023/.
“Women’s Sports History.” National Women’s History Museum, 4 Aug. 2016, www.womenshistory.org/articles/womens-sports-history.
