“” The playground is still far from the level“Said Mr. Türk.
In recent years, TOPFLIGHT women’s sports competitions have achieved increased global importance with around a billion people who look at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. This visibility and this attention caused significant conversations on stereotypes and power dynamics in female sports.
He noted that certain groups are confronted with barriers and discrimination in the sports world of women-LGBTIQ +women, women wearing echarms, disabled women and women of marginalized ethnic and racial groups.
“” We must build a world of sport in which women and girls, in all their diversity, are just as precious, visible and paid. “”
A “Stark” remuneration gap
While professional male footballers earn an average of $ 1.8 million a year in the best clubs, women athletes from the best clubs have an average income of $ 24,000. And the average athlete, and not in the best clubs, earns even less than that, completing $ 10,900 per year.
“Without stable income, women are forced to take other jobs, leaving them less time and energy to focus on training and improvement,” said Türk.
The wage gap is made even more unbearable by a lack of sufficient protection in the workplace – a minimum maternity leave, even, and few places to turn to repair when harassment occurs.
Women are also very under-represented in the leadership of professional clubs and federations. Of the 31 federations, the women presided only three.
Despite such statistics that give reflection, some federations have started to institute changes, to devote maternity and adoption leave and to establish equity agreements.
Lead social change
Mr. Türk called on Member States to institute complete anti-discrimination systems which promote equality of wages and guarantee that violence and harassment in sports are brought to justice.
He also said that the media could and should be a “force for good” by depicting the successes of women in sport and ensuring that their coverage is correct and ethical.
“” Sports can lead social change … and inspire and promote equity, respect and equal opportunities for all. Today, let’s defend a sports world where women and girls can prosper. »»
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
