Gender equality in sport remains an issue despite major progress made

The FIFA Women’s World Cup begins on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. As the largest women’s sporting event in the world, the Women’s World Cup provides the opportunity for elite female footballers to represent their countries and compete at the highest level on the world stage.

With stronger competition, a larger investment And expected increase in audience and attendance, this year’s Women’s World Cup promises to be better than ever.

Australia sold out its opening match (83,500 seats) And more than a million tickets have been sold before the week before the start of the tournament. With more TV and streaming options than everthere are more opportunities to watch the matches.

At least seven teams have a strong chance of being crowned eventual champions. The new arrivals try to upset the powerful USA teamwho are defending their title and trying to win three FIFA championships in a row.

In a friendly match preceding the Cup, Zambia won a match against one of the favorites, Germany.. This unexpected victory indicates that there could be several compelling underdogs to root for this year.

For the love of the game

I encourage Jamaica, Canada, Haiti, Zambia and Morocco. As a former black feminist midfielder, supporter and researcher campaigning for gender equality in sport, I find there are many things to love about football. Also known as football in North America, it is the most beautiful game. It is simple and magical, and perhaps one of the most emotional sports.

Although 24 years have passed, I still remember very clearly Memorable celebration of American footballer Brandi Chastain after winning the FIFA World Championship on penalties.

This remains a crucial moment for both women’s football and women’s sport. Since then, football has grown exponentially with a multitude of professional women’s leagues in Europe and North America.

For the 2023 Women’s World Cup, investments are more important than ever. VISA became the first official sponsor and FIFA has agreed to pay each player at least $30,000..

The teams representing Zambia, Haiti and Morocco – whose journey to the World Cup is both remarkable and inspiring – shows the growth of the game internationally.

There are a historic number of nine female coaches in this year’s Women’s World Cup.. There is also a greater intention and focus on telling the inspiring stories of women and their journey to get to the World Cup.

Megan Rapinoe especially deserves her flowers. As one of the most influential football players of our timeshe will retire later this year. She provided a road map for girls and women to not only be heroes on the field, but also for society at large by advocating for change on and off the field.

I can’t just “play through it”

In sports, there is a common saying: “Play until the end.” » This means that no matter what obstacles you face, you must persevere and keep moving forward to achieve your goal.

For women playing soccer in this year’s Women’s World Cup, they have to overcome some issues and concerns. Unfortunately, most of these obstacles are found outside the corners of the football field. The lack of funds for training and pay equity remain at the forefront.

Even if playing for their country is a source of pride, players need their country to provide them with better financial support, at least equivalent to that of their male counterparts.

In June, The Jamaican team shared an open letter highlighting the lack of support they received ahead of the World Cup. They had to play under poor training and playing conditions, messy travel conditions and without contractually promised compensation.

The South African team recently refused to take the fieldexpressing the failure of their football federation to provide the training resources and pay equity needed for the World Cup. The women’s teams of Canada, England and Spain also expressed concerns with pay equity and support disparities.

Sexual violence in sport

There are other conditions under which women should never have to play. Sexual harassment is one of the most widespread forms of violence against women and continues to be a persistent and glaring problem in women’s sports.

The Women’s World Cup is no different and FIFA still has a lot of work to do to prove that it prioritizes the safety and well-being of female athletes.

For example, there have been allegations of sexual misconduct against Zambian coaches. These allegations have been silenced as the Zambian women’s team is winning and achieving impressive results. Allegations of sexual assault have also been raised with the Haitian team.

I will watch the game with love, but also with a critical eye for fairness and justice for the women who play it. Addressing the many systemic gender issues is truly key to the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Women’s sport will not reach its full potential as long as women and girls remain at risk of sexual violence.

Looking forward to 2027

How can we ensure a better Women’s World Cup in 2027? It must showcase the progress of women’s football off the pitch, where women and girls are safe and protected from verbal, emotional and sexual violence.

Players must ensure that their country invests in them and that the generation of girls is ready to participate next. Much depends on what is done now. While supporting and encouraging the World Cup players, we must simultaneously advocate for justice and protection of these players and for continued reform of the women’s sports sector.