30th Annual Celebration Recognizes Momentous Strides
Gender equality is important and should be a right than can be assumed, not fought for – but, even in 2016, we have to battle the war of the sexes on the field as well as in the boardroom. While great strides have been made, there is a lot left to do. One issue is equal pay — which is even an issue in Hollywood. Patricia Arquette and Jennifer Lawrence have both spoken out for actresses to receive comparable pay checks to male movie stars. In soccer, Abby Wambach has taken the fight on gender inequality to the media and the list goes on and on… But, we also have reason to celebrate the many accomplishments achieved since Title IX.
Soccer News: In case you haven’t heard, February 3rd marks the 30th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), which is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the momentous strides in sports that girls and women have made throughout the years.
While women only received 2% of college athletic budgets in 1972, by 2010 they received 40% of budgets thanks to Title IX.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.
In 1987, NGWSD also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports; Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
NGWSD is celebrated annually across all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and other celebratory activities. NGWSD is organized by the members of the National Girls & Women in Sports Day Coalition. Champion women athletes have also contributed to annual NGWSD activities.
One specific set of regulations surrounding athletic equality and women’s sports, which has had a tremendous impact on this advancement, is the implementation of Title IX. As a law that prohibits any discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs, Title IX is a key component of the foundations of female athletic compliance within today’s youth.
Ohio University’s prestigious athletic administration program, illustrates the importance of Title IX on women’s equality in sports and where they are today.
The theme of this year’s National Girls and Women in Sports day is ‘Leading the Way’, recognizing women who have paved the way for all women in sports and inspired younger generations to follow suit.
Although much has been achieved, women continue to overcome and face inequalities.
While women coached more than 90% of NCAA women’s teams in 1972 (time of Title IX), that number dropped to about 43% by 2012.
And women’s soccer still has a way to go… The US Women’s National Team earned $2 million from the 2015 World Cup victory, compared to the Germany Men’s National Team who received $35 million after winning the 2014 World Cup. Even the US Men’s National Team, which was eliminated in the round of 16 that year, earned $8 million… the business of soccer still has a long road ahead to reach an equilibrium with the men’s.
This is why a continued focus on equality for girls and women in sports needs to be a priority.
Related Articles: Women In Soccer: Moya Dodd Cracks the Grass Ceiling, Women In Soccer Symposium, Cal South Women In Soccer Committee
