


Terry Cullen
Apr 25, 2023
Argentina
Categories:
Girls, Women, Sports, Soccer, Gender Equality, Empowerment
Women’s soccer in Latin America has always been fraught with controversy. In 1928, the press in countries such as Argentina and Chile reported on the rise of women’s soccer teams. Newspaper editorials expressed concern and conjectured dramatic and adverse effects on society. Elements of organized religion came out in opposition to it.
Brenda Elsey and Joshua Nadel penned a book, “Futbolera: A History of Women and Sports in Latin America.” It patterns a broader struggle women across the region face for gender equality. Nearly 100 years later, women in sports are inspirational. However, many still view it angrily and argue about whether women should be in sports. Women continue to face baseless and discriminatory statements, such as sports being too violent for women, sports will turn them into lesbians, or their biological destiny precluding women from playing sports.
Brazil banned women’s soccer from 1941 to 1979 because, in part, it would negatively affect their fertility rates. Still, women persisted in facing this adversity, and teams went underground. The book, “Futbolera” chronicles female athletes pushing back against prohibitions, rules, attitudes, and objections throughout the years. There is progress, but there is so much more needed. You do not hear the biological destiny argument much anymore. Still, teams face inequitable pay and access to market exposure compared to men’s teams.
What can you do in your local community to make a difference and promote girls and women in sports? For starters, recognize the importance of sports for girls and women. The health benefits are apparent. Females who regularly play sports have lower rates of obesity and chronic illness, stronger bones, less tobacco, and illicit drug use. Studies also confirm that girls who play sports get better grades in school on average, have a lower dropout rate, and are better at managing priorities and budgeting time. Sports teams provide an achievement-based social network, and girls who grew up participating in sports are likelier to get involved in their community as adults. Findings also show these girls have better self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence and lower rates of depression and suicide. Need more convincing? Studies indicate girls who played sports growing up have several key advantages that set them up for career success as adults. For example, team sports teach girls how to work on a team, and they learn self-reliance, discipline, and leadership skills. (https://childrensmedicalgroup.net/sports-benefit-girls-in-many-ways/)
Goal Five provides 12 ways to support women in sports in your local community.
1. Community mentorship. Many organizations worldwide support girls and women. Does the organization includes a sports program, or if not, inquire how to start one?
2. School sports. Do your schools have sports programs for girls? Support them, or set one up if there are not any.
3. After-school programs. Informal or formal programs. Share sports fields in off hours or informally use spaces like parks to set up games.
4. Collegiate sports. Men’s teams get the lion’s share of funding. Lobby for more funding of women’s teams.
5. Start a sports club or program of your own. It does involve some work, but the steps are straightforward.
6. Coach a girl’s team.
7. Social media. Become an organizer and a promoter.
8. Photograph or video games and put your skills to good use for the team.
9. Statistics. Become the team’s statistician to give coaches insights to help their teams excel.
10. Refreshments. Provide refreshments to your team for their games.
11. Transportation. Help transport players to the games.
12. Be a great fan or sponsor. Excitement and enthusiasm are infectious.
Make a positive impact on your community and humanity. Give girls and women a level playing field, figuratively and literally.
Photo by Alliance Football Club on Unsplash.
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0423.100.04.042523