A Man’s Quest to Advocate for Women’s Sports and Foster Inclusive Conversations

Championing Equity and Safety:

Hello world, I have been working on this as a concept for the past few years, and today marks my first foray into a blog to attempt to stimulate discussions and bring conversations that should be happening everywhere into a safe space for learning and taking first steps.

I am by no means an expert, and am acutely aware of the privileged position that I am fortunate to live in. I am also the first to volunteer just how poor my behaviours were in this space for 30+ years.

But journeys starting with a single step is a powerful place to start, and if my platform and experience can support making a safer and more equitable place for others to learn and ultimately thrive in, then now is the time start some chats.

Finally – these words are my view’s only, but as Adam Grant has said “We listen to opinions that make us feel good, instead of ideas that make us think hard. We see disagreement as a threat to our egos, rather than an opportunity to learn. We surround ourselves with people who agree with our conclusions, when we should be gravitating toward those who challenge our thought process.

“Advocating for Women’s Sports: A Journey of Learning, Understanding, and Empowerment”

As a late starting ally & advocate for women’s sports, I have seen a lot of progress and growth in this field. However, to be less idealistic and more genuine, I have also encountered many challenges and obstacles along the way. Let me also state from the outset, I have the white male privilege that the patriarchy provides – and therefore have no lived experience for those who I try to provide advocacy support for. Through my experiences, I have learned that being an effective advocate for women’s sports requires ongoing education, empathy, and action.

So what has a career spent committed to working in women’s sport and advocating for safety and attempting to support feminism taught me?

Learn Your Environment:

The first step in advocating for women’s sports is to understand the current landscape. This involves research and engagement with a range of stakeholders, including female athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans. You can attend events, read articles, and talk to people who are involved in women’s sports to get a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist. By doing this, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the experiences of female athletes and the barriers that they face.

Educate Yourself:

Once you have a better understanding of your environment, it is important to educate yourself about the issues and developments in women’s sports. This can include reading books, reports, and articles, attending conferences and workshops, and engaging with advocacy groups. Two important books that I would recommend to anyone who is starting their journey as an advocate for women’s sports are “Boys Will Be Boys” by Clementine Ford and “Eggshell Skull” by Bri Lee. These books are confronting, but necessary, to start to understand the systemic challenges that women face in our society.

Additionally, the book “How Many More Women?” by Jennifer Robinson and Keina Yoshida is also a valuable resource for understanding the ways in which patriarchal structures impact women’s experiences in all areas of life, particularly in enforcing a culture of silence and this is disastrously damaging, not just sports.

Ask Questions:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out information from others who have more experience and knowledge in this field. Whether it’s talking to female athletes, coaches, or advocacy groups, asking questions can be a valuable way to learn and grow in your understanding of the issues. Asking questions also shows that you are willing to listen and learn, which can be an important step in building trust and relationships with others who are advocating for women’s sports.

Be an Ally:

Advocate for women’s sports not only by speaking out about the issues, but also by supporting female athletes and their teams. This can include attending games, buying merchandise, and sharing positive stories and news about their accomplishments. Being an ally also involves acknowledging your own privilege and using your voice and platform to amplify the voices of female athletes and other advocates.

Challenge the System:

Finally, it is important to challenge the systemic barriers and biases that prevent women’s sports from receiving the recognition and investment they deserve. This can involve advocating for equal pay and resources, speaking out against gender-based violence and harassment, and promoting media coverage that is fair and balanced. By challenging the system, you can help to create a more equitable and just environment for women’s sports.

My purpose as an advocate for women’s sports is to empower and support others in their own journeys of learning, understanding, and action. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my career, but it also saddens me to see the number of men who simply refuse to educate themselves about the patriarchal imbalances that persist in our society. I invite all men who are interested in learning more or sharing their experiences to reach out to me. Together, we can make a positive impact for female athletes and the sports they love.

Advocating for women’s sports is not just about improving the lives of female athletes, it’s about making a positive impact on our entire community. When women’s sports are given the recognition and support they deserve, it helps to create a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone. I am loving this chapter in my life and am dedicated to this cause and am eager to continue working with others to create meaningful change.

So if you are a man who is interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities in women’s sports, or if you have your own experiences to share, I invite you to reach out to me. Together, we can make a real impact and help to create a better future for women’s sports and in turn the communities we share.

Remember – this is the power of leadership

And credit to @clementine_ford for the image below to ponder