Sexism
in sports is a major concern. Hockey, cricket, or football – the pay
parity and overall importance and platform given to women is significantly
discriminatory. From the body and color of their skin to the country origin,
all of these factors contribute to the abdominal trolling that occurs on social
media platforms.

Their
breast size holds more significance than their standard of talent. Their
physique is perpetually critiqued and that’s something that we never witness
with their male counterparts. And every time their physique comes to discussion,
it’s only related to their performance which has either been degrading or
improving.

Patriarchy
exists in every aspect of our life. Women have to fight for their dreams from
their childhood. First, they have to fight their families and friends who oppose
them believing that women should remain in the kitchen and leave the sports for
the men. Then they have to fight technical obstacles like the lack of
opportunities and resources for women in the sports world. There aren’t enough
courts, coaches, tournaments, advertisers who would openly support upcoming
talents. It’s 2020 and we still don’t see enough women behind racing vehicles.

You
could be Serena
Williams but the length of your skirt and stretch marks would make
headlines instead of the trophies you’ve won and the records you’ve made.

Source: Today Show

According
to a survey, approximately 60% of the female athletes experience sexism but due
to numerous reasons, only 10% report it. Either their male coaches don’t take
them seriously or the athletes are unaware of who to report.  Some feel demotivated and unsurprised so they don’t
even to raise their voice.

But
an important factor that raises eyebrows is the fear of not being selected. This
is a major concern that has been witnessed across the board and it’s not
limited to the sports industry. Women don’t approach their managers or coaches
because they fear that their selection will be affected by it. They don’t want
to come across as difficult. In addition, if they do talk about it, the
newspaper will flash the new unethically and ruin their reputation.

There
are certain questions that are only asked from female athletes including “who are you dating?” or “are you pregnant?” and they’re
frustratingly disrespectful.

Source: Global News

Source: Insider

Source: Business Insider

Before
taking any action, they have to think about the consequences. The fear of
losing out future opportunities and sponsorship is real. One bad day and they’re
out – no matter how good their performances have been.

Gender
discrimination is apparent when it comes to paying. What women make in the entire
year, men earn in one match. They’re not given primetime on the television,
they’re not given the same remuneration when they’re on tour, and their PR is
restricted.

The
same sponsor would pay more to a less high profile male athlete compared to a
female Olympian Gold Medalist. Hence, it’s out in the open that you could be
the most crafted and well-accomplished athlete in the world but your worth will
be less just because you’re a woman.

Apart
from harassment, pay parity, and body scrutiny, female athletes face major
trolling online. Comments are passed on their physical appearance, their life
choices, and everything but their performance. At least 30% of the sportswomen
face online trolling every day.     

Source: Babe.net

Source: The Ithacan

Source: Cricket Addictor

Hacking
is almost normal in today’s day and age but it still leaves the person petrified
in the aftermath, because you could lose everything with one controversial post or internet trolls by the virtue of being a woman.

Another
fact that interferes in femal sports and their career advancement is family planning. Many
female athletes delay starting a family as they fear their career would be
negatively impacted. In fact, the survey reveals that 4% of them even abort as they’re
scared of losing their career. Male athletes don’t have to worry about any of
this as it only targets women. They take sabbaticals all the time to introspect and reevaluate and
strategize their career. Women, on the contrary, don’t enjoy this luxury.

Female
athletes already have limited resources, lack of promotion and consistent
backlash from the public further hampers their ability. It impacts their mental
health far more drastically. Despite all the hurdles women are stepping up and
representing the gender in all kinds of sports.

Archery,
badminton, basketball, boxing cricket, cycling, darts, football, golf,
gymnastics, hockey, horse racing, judo, motorsport, rugby, shooting,
skateboarding, skiing, squash, swimming, etc – women are everywhere!

They’re
fighting and the road is far from equal. Female athletes take the trolling with
a pinch of salt because the fear of consequences circles them around. Ageism,
sexism, and body-related
criticism comes and goes, but they continue to strive towards excellence and
breaking barriers!

To
find out more about women and their most treasured victories, read Women
in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win.