Women's Sports Foundation’s Post

Women's sports have increased in recent years, gaining more recognition and support than ever before. The WNBA just started, and there's more conversation about it than ever! As we celebrated Women's Awareness Month, it was essential to highlight the achievements and progress made in women's sports. Athletes like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Kaitlin Clark have become household names, inspiring young girls everywhere to pursue their athletic dreams. Check out the video where Kristin D. Ashcraft Laura Conover and Arshiya Malik I discussed progress with women's achievements. Check out the video to capture some of our conversations. What barriers would you like to see broken through next? #Women #leadershipdevelopment

Did you know that yesterday, 7th February, was National Girls and Women in Sports Day? I didn’t! N.G.W.S.D. came about in 1987 in remembrance of the Olympic Volleyball Player, Flo Hyman, recognising her as the most iconic female volleyball player of her time, and her incredible work in promoting equality of women in sports. The mission is to break all gender stereotypes that are built within the sports industry, inspire and celebrate women athletes – and inevitably keep supporting the fact that women belong in every aspect of sports! The Women’s Sports Foundation based in New York celebrates this movement annually by hosting several events around the US, where different organizations and foundations can get involved. They work with incredible athletes and partners in the industry such as ESPNW, Gatorade, Delta Air Lines and many more. They specialise in advocacy, research, awards, programs and resources in this sphere. So why is the National Girls and Women in Sports Day important? 🔸 It breaks gender stereotypes. A study showed that at least 75% of young girls have heard derogatory remarks about girls in sports. The N.G.W.S.D. reiterates the narrative that women belong in sports. 🔸 It inspires women to be active and encourages them to unlock their full potential. 🔸It honours the achievements of female athletes. Check out the Women’s Sports Foundation below: https://lnkd.in/ey9xCbGh

I had the privilege last week of presenting live on stage at the Ministry Of Sport 'Women in Sport' Summit on the Gold Coast. The comprehensive YouGov Sport - 52 page white paper that I presented at the conference is now available to purchase. If you are a brand or sporting organisation and is genuine in wanting to grow viewership in women's sport this report is a must. The report covers 3 pivotal questions: 1️. What is the problem? It investigates the viewership gap between men's and women's sports, detailing whether disparities exist and quantifying their extent. 2️. Why does the problem exist? It delves into the key perceptions and reasons that may deter sports fans from watching women's sports, or not tuning into them to a greater extent. 3️. How can we solve it? It unveils 10 forward-thinking strategies that sports organisations, leagues, and clubs can put into action to boost women’s sports viewership.

Last night's event on the topic of how women in sports are shaping the future of feminism and what we can learn from them was an absolute game-changer! We're honored to have been part of a discussion that shed light on the incredible strides women in sports are making, not just in their respective fields, but in society as a whole. From advocating for leadership to challenging gender norms, these trailblazers are reshaping the landscape of feminism. Key takeaways? Let's talk about them! 1. Leadership: Women in sports are not only excelling as athletes but also as leaders, coaches, and administrators. Their resilience, determination, and strategic thinking are paving the way for future generations. 2. Representation: Seeing women athletes on the global stage isn't just inspiring; it's crucial for breaking down stereotypes and expanding opportunities for all. Representation matters, and these athletes are proving it every day. 3. Intersectionality: Let's not forget the importance of intersectionality in feminism. Women in sports face unique challenges based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more. Acknowledging and addressing these intersectionalities is essential for true progress. A BIG thanks to our incredible speakers who joined us last night including Emma Hinchliffe, (author of The Broadsheet and co-chair of Fortune's Most Powerful Women summit), LJ (LaToya) F., (avid golfer, CEO of IN-18 LLC, Founder of Finer Life Golf Foundation and executive coach), Yael Averbuch, (Gotham FC's GM and former USWNT player), and Madison Packer, of the newly formed women's pro-hockey league (PWHL). Also, the amazing Macaela MacKenzie, author of MONEY, POWER, RESPECT: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism, for moderating this discussion! Let's continue to amplify the voices of women in sports and champion their achievements. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #WeAreLuminary #ComeSitAtOurTable #InThisTogether #WomenInSports #Feminism #Empowerment

🏆BREAKING THE BARRIER: OVERCOMING STIGMA AND SOCIETAL PRESSURE AGAINST WOMEN IN SPORTS 🙋♀ Sports has always been perceived as a male-dominated field, and the same is still evident today. Women who decide to participate in sports have to battle stigma, societal pressure, and gender bias. This challenge, however, doesn't deter the bold women who are determined to shatter this age-long perception. Today, we celebrate one of the greats who overcame the stigma of societal pressure against women participating in sports. 🙌 👩🦳🏀Rebecca Lobo was one of the pioneers who shattered this barrier when she played basketball at the highest level and achieved excellence. As a young girl growing up, she loved basketball and wanted to play professionally, but there were no teams for women. So, she joined her school team, but the coach cut her because, as he said, "girls should not be playing basketball." But, she didn't give up and found another team, which later led her to the national team and eventually, to play in the WNBA. 🌟 🙅♀Rebecca faced various forms of prejudice during her journey, but she didn't let any of them hold her back. She overcame every obstacle, from male coaches, referees, and opponents who belittled her ability. Through sheer hard work and determination, she showed the world that women can be just as great as men in sports. She was also a voice for other female athletes, fighting for better conditions, equal pay, and recognition. 💪Rebecca's legacy and accomplishments are an inspiration to all women who aspire to be athletes and excel in sports. It is essential to challenge the stigmatization and prejudice women face in sports and work towards creating an equal and inclusive society. We need to encourage young girls and women to take up sports and participate without the fear of judgment, inequality, and bias. #WomenInSports #GenderEquality #ShatteringTheBarrier #FemaleAthletesRock #RebeccaLobo #BasketballLegend 🏀🌟💪

Celebrating ✨ 🎈 🏒 National Girls and Women in Sports Day..!! 🎯 💫🎉 🌟 Revealing the Unseen Battle: Honoring Women's Resilience in Sports! 🏆💔 In the heart of every aspiring female athlete lies a story of unseen struggles and unspoken battles. It's a narrative of dreams crushed by societal norms, of passion stifled by the harsh realities of prejudice. For every Mary Kom who fights poverty and prejudice with every jab, there are countless others whose talents languish in obscurity, unnoticed and unsupported. PV Sindhu's racket may silence the critics on the court, but off it, the echoes of skepticism and doubt linger, a constant reminder of the uphill battle faced by women in sports. Dutee Chand's defiance against discriminatory regulations sheds light on the darker corners of our society, where outdated norms suffocate the spirit of courage and individuality. And as Sakshi Malik and Deepa Malik break physical and societal barriers alike, their victories are tainted by the shadows of indifference and inequality that linger in the corners of our collective conscience. On this National Girls and Women in Sports Day, let's not just celebrate the triumphs; let's acknowledge the silent struggles, the unspoken sacrifices, and the relentless resilience of every woman who dares to dream of sports glory. Together, let's challenge the status quo, amplify their voices, and pave the way for a future where every woman is supported, celebrated, and empowered to shine in the arena of sports. Because when we confront the harsh reality of societal indifference, we take the first step toward true equality and justice. #NGWSD #WomenInSports #ChampionHer #empowerment #inclusion You

⚽ Did you know women’s football was banned from 1921-1971⁉ Due to this the sport is still in it’s early stages and does not have as large of a spotlight as the men’s equivalent. As the case is for women in business, women in sports still face barriers to gaining equality in the sport. 📈 However, the game is gaining traction and there are small wins such as the USA passing an equal pay bill for women competing in international events. 💡 So, what can we learn from these talented women? ⚡ A lot, in fact, sportswomen are largely natural leaders. A study by Ernest and Young with espnW found that 80% of the female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports in their early years. 🥇 On and off the pitch we see skills from teamwork, resilience, and accepting feedback to grit, confidence and self-belief. All of these skills are transferable to the corporate world and imperative to success in business. 💪 As we watch the games, we should be mindful of the efforts these well-deserving players are taking to achieve equality and make the sport a much more inclusive one for the young girls who will watch them and be inspired to take up sports. 💡As women in business, what can we do? ⚽ 🎉 Rally behind these women and support them as they play on the pitch, show us the sky is the limit and that the efforts for equality are not fruitless. 🏆🤝 #womeninsports #womeninbusiness #diversityandinclusion #makewomencount #worldcup2023

New research shows progress towards parity in how women's sport is perceived and accessed in Australia after co-hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ , but there is still a long way to go to. Our FanSpeed study in partnership with MKTG Sports + Entertainment Australia uncovered an 8% jump in the number of fans that see men's and women's sport on equal terms. But there's still a large disparity in media coverage, with only one in five Australians believing that the media adequately covers women’s sports. This remains a critical obstacle to achieving gender equity in the sporting world, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve media coverage and ensure equal representation for men’s and women’s sports.

February 7th was National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Each year, during the first week of February, we celebrate the meaning of this day. In business, I frequently refer to my experience as a competitive collegiate scholar-athlete and collegiate coach. I’ve been fortunate to be part of teams that were built from losing seasons to winning seasons (and even winning a championship). Talk about going from zero to 100 in a short timeline! A recent study by Deloitte found that “According to respondents who have played competitive sports, the top skills gained from competitive sports include teamwork (69%) and leadership (41%). Other skills include managing stress and pressure (36%), problem solving (35%), and effective communication (34%).” Celebrate women in sports, watch women in sports, and support women in sports. Women's Sports Foundation #NGWSD2024 #NGWSD24

Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women across all aspects of life! From record-breaking athletes to pioneering scientists, women are changing the game. This year's theme, #InspireInclusion, reminds us that true equality means creating space for all women to shine. Here's how we can #InspireInclusion in sports and beyond: -Celebrate female athletes: Share the stories of women who are pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible in sports. From young competitors to seasoned veterans, their dedication inspires! -Support women in leadership: Advocate for equal opportunities for women coaches, referees, and sports administrators. Their voices and expertise are crucial. -Break down gender stereotypes: Challenge the idea that sports are just for men. Encourage girls to participate and dismantle limiting beliefs. -Promote equal access: Advocate for equal funding and resources for women's sports at all levels. -Embrace diversity in sports: Celebrate the achievements of women from all backgrounds, abilities, and ethnicities. Inclusion is key! #IWD2024 #genderequality #womeninsport #womenempowerment #hergametoo #hergametoousa