Accelerating action for achieving women's equality in sport is key
The good news is that recent years have seen significant strides for women in sports across various domains, highlighting the growing recognition of women’s contributions and talents in the athletic world.
Yet, there remains much work to do if women are to continue to see notable positive gains.
Thankfully, many groups and individuals are actively helping to accelerate action for sports women worldwide.
Increased media coverage and visibility
Women's sports are receiving more media attention than ever before.
Major sports networks like ESPN and NBC have expanded their coverage of women's sports, including the WNBA, NCAA women's basketball, and the Women's World Cup. This has helped to raise awareness, attract new fans, and increase sponsorship opportunities.
Ensuring equal pay and prize money is key
In tennis, for example, the Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, have implemented equal pay for male and female players since the early 2000s. The 2023 US Open also saw a record number of women’s singles viewers, underlining the success of this model.
In soccer, one of the biggest milestones in women’s sports has been the push for equal pay. The US Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT) reached a historic agreement with the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2022 for equal pay with the men’s national team. This deal includes equal pay for games, tournament bonuses, and World Cup prize money.
Further sports are also forging equal pay and prize money.
There must be greater investment in women’s sports
Leagues like the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) and NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) have seen growing investment and support.
Increased funding and partnerships with major brands are allowing these leagues to thrive.
The WNBA's broadcasting deals and sponsorships have seen steady growth, with more games televised nationally.
Opportunities need to be expanded
There has been a concerted push to create more opportunities for women in sports, from youth leagues to professional levels. For example, the launch of new women’s football leagues, like the Women’s National Football League (WNFL), and the inclusion of women in motorsports like Formula 1’s initiatives to support female talent, has broadened horizons.
Increased representation in coaching and leadership matter
There has been a growing push to see more women in coaching and management roles. For instance, Becky Hammon became the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, and now serves as the head coach for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Female leadership is expanding across many sports organizations and teams.
Progressive policy changes are needed
Although Title IX was passed in the United States in 1972 to ensure gender equality in sports programs a landmark federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from federal government, its implementation continues to evolve.
A recent focus on more equitable distribution of resources, facilities, and scholarships for women athletes has further bolstered opportunities across the sporting arena.
The topic of transgender inclusion remains controversial
There has been a growing emphasis on creating more inclusive policies in sports.
Many organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and NCAA, have introduced policies to support the inclusion of transgender athletes, promoting gender equity and fairness in competitive sports.
Receiving considerable ongoing media attention, transgender inclusion in sport remains a divided matter, yet true inclusion can only be achieved when sport is truly open to all.
The ongoing importance of social movements and advocacy
The #MeToo movement and many further feminist campaigns have certainly helped bring attention to issues such as sexual harassment and inequity in sports, leading to greater accountability and the creation of safer environments for female athletes.
Advocacy for better protections, resources, and pay has resulted in tangible improvements for women at every level of competition.
These advances are building momentum toward greater equality and opportunity for women in sports, continuing to transform the landscape for future generations.
Campaigning for positive change
As one of the 20th century's most respected and truly influential people, Billie Jean King, as one of the most recognizable and iconic women in the sporting arena, remains a core champion for social change and equality.
She has successfully created many new inroads for sportspeople of all genders throughout her legendary career, and she continues tenaciously to make her mark and shine a light on gender equality.
It is cited that Billie Jean King first encountered gender inequality at the age of 12, while participating in a tournament at the Los Angeles Tennis Club.
It was 1955, and Billie Jean was barred from a group photo of junior tennis players because she had decided to wear tennis shorts that day, rather than the tennis skirt traditionally worn by women athletes.
She soon learned that the unequal treatment that female athletes experienced wasn’t only relegated to dress code.
Billie Jean King has been quoted as saying: "Ever since that day... and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport."
Here's to Billie Jean King, gender equality, and may the best woman win!