International Women’s Day is often marked via sports events around the world

 December 02, 2019

With increased media attention, greater sponsorship, mainstream television coverage and big wins for women’s teams, there has been massive progress made towards creating an equal platform for women sporting champions.

To mark International Women's Day, groups around the world came together to highlight women's equality within their specific arena – and sport is certainly an important area to mark the day.

Here are some great events that took place for IWD.

The countdown was on to break the world record for the highest ever attendance for a standalone women's sporting event worldwide - and to change women's sports forever.

The match provided a momentous time in the history of women's equality. It had equal billing to the men's final and, with 100,024 seating, was played in the world's largest cricket ground by capacity.

Cricket Australia also added to prize money won by the Australian women’s cricket team to ensure equality with the men’s winnings - and the prize money pool for the 2020 women’s World Cup increased by 320% from the 2018 tournament. 

Singer Katy Perry performed at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final on International Women's Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. One of the biggest women’s cricket match to date, Perry’s appearance reinforced the popularity of women's sporting events. 

“I'm all about celebrating equality and the achievements of women, which naturally happens on a global scale on International Women's Day. It’s no coincidence that I said yes to performing live at the women's final on this day,” said Perry. “I hope to bring a unifying, electric performance playing some of my most empowering songs for the best female cricketers on the planet and some of my greatest fans, as we all unite to support gender equality and empower people to achieve everything that they desire.”

Mater Chicks in Pink support breast cancer victims via fun run

In association with partner RACQ, Mater Chicks in Pink organizes an annual fun run raises money to support women with breast cancer.

Mater Chicks in Pink helps women lighten the emotional and financial burden of breast cancer. 

For both sport and IWD, uniting people is the name of the game. So what better way to mark IWD than a fun run that brings women together to fight against breast cancer?

Pune Women’s Half Marathon promotes women’s health 

Meanwhile in India, back in 2020 women ran in support of IWD as part of the Pune Women’s Half Marathon (PWHM)

An annual event organized by Free Runners, PWHM celebrates womanhood and the ability for women to transform themselves and others. The event highlights healthy living and its positive impact by encouraging women to reach their individual fitness goals.

Women set goals and test limits at Los Angeles Marathon

Women in the United States also puts on their running shoes for IWD.

The Los Angeles Marathon celebrates women as they set goals, test limits, and contribute to the local community.

One of the largest marathons in the US, around 24,000 athletes from all States and more than 67 countries run from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica finish line.

It's time to bring equality to women's sports

Join the global movement and step up to truly make a difference for women's sport on International Women's Day and beyond.