Women in Sports
not the homophobia or stereotypes of individual reporters or advertisers, so that sportswomen (our daughters and sisters and mothers) receive the admiration, dignity, and respect they deserve, the same admiration, dignity, and respect afforded male athletes. The American woman has embraced sports and fitness, and she is about to change them in her image. First, though, the media must portray her as she is, rather than how she used to be.
Megan insert women sports in college and high school.
Insert lesbianism here.
Gender equity will not happen by itself we have to work for it and speak out against discrimination. The following are some strategies anyone can use to bring about gender equity in athletics. The strategies are organized in general from the least time and energy consuming to the most. Everything you can do will help.
STRATEGY 1: Support Women's and Girls Sports
You can support women's athletics at any age. Attend women's and girls' sporting events. Do not be taken in by stereotypes that negate women's athletic abilities and deride women who perform well in sports. Coach, athlete, fan and fundraiser are all roles that can build confidence and initiative, and promote women's leadership.
STRATEGY 2: Join a Women's Rights Organization
Title IX and other advances for women in athletics were won through feminist organizing. You can join (or organize) a feminist organization in your school, university, or town. Sponsor programs on Title IX and gender equity, and call attention to policies that unfairly disadvantage women and girls in the sports arena. National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the first Thursday in February, is a great day to plan activities.
STRATEGY 3: Challenge the Myths
Stereotypes unchallenged are stereotypes accepted. Familiarize yourself with the myths and point out the discrepancies between myth and reality about women and girls in sports.
STRATEGY 4: Speak Out Against Gender Inequity
Breaking the silence has a tremendous impact. It puts women's issues at the forefront of everyone's mind and identifies them as legitimate topics to be addressed.
At every opportunity-- in meetings, at conferences, and in the classroom -- point out inequalities in women's athletics. Don't hesitate: feminists are the majority. In a 1986 Newsweek/Gallup poll, “71% of the women surveyed believe the women's movement has improved their lives. Three years later, a Time magazine poll found that 81% think the movement is still improving their lives”(Nelson.)
With such data, it is clear that women's issues are supported and should be addressed by those in athletics.
STRATEGY 5: Encourage Other Women and Girls
Your visibility to women just starting out in athletics can make a critical difference in their future. Invite women and girls to informational meetings about athletics and the wonderful things they have to offer. Encourage them to see themselves as players, coaches-whatever role they would like to play. Offer advice on how they can get their athletic careers started and where to go for more information.
STRATEGY 6: Push for Gender Equity Policies
Gender equity in athletics applies to three basic areas: participation opportunities, athletic financial aid, and all other [next page]