In a resounding call for gender equality and inclusivity in the realm of sports media, voices across the industry are rallying for change. From the boardrooms to the playing fields, advocates are pushing for equal opportunities and recognition for women.
STAND UP, SPEAK UP Reflecting on the journey of women’s empowerment within the sports media landscape, there is a collective acknowledgment of progress and the pressing need for further advancements. “We need to sit up, stand up, speak up, and be heard, or we shut up,” emphasizes a prominent figure, and an Olympic Champion in 400 hurdles, Nawal El Moutawakel emphasizes.
“As we go to the Paris 20224 Olympics, I am happy to note that gender equality has been spearheaded by the president, Thomas Bach and the percentage of women present is totally different from where we started from. We had almost 2% of women present at the first Olympic Games but today its 50/50, which is a true reflection of gender equality within the Olympic association,” Nawal El Moutawakel added.
EQUALITY AND EQUITY The discourse underscores the importance of not only providing opportunities for women but also ensuring they receive the support they deserve. “Equality and equity go hand in hand,” notes Donna de Varona, a former American Olympic swimmer and a vocal supporter of gender parity, emphasising the significance of empowering women in sports.
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL Riccardo Romani, a staunch advocate for women’s rights in sports, sheds light on the captivating allure of women’s volleyball games and stresses the necessity of providing opportunities and support to female athletes. “There are so many women who grab the opportunity whenever and wherever they find,” he asserts, highlighting the untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
DECISION MAKERS AIPS vice-president Zsuza Csisztu, a host of a television show dedicated to promoting women in sports, champions the notion that women can be decision makers in today’s sporting landscape. Addressing concerns about balancing motherhood and career, she points to numerous examples of women who have seamlessly transitioned back into the field after childbirth.
Vladi Lazarova, who is a leader of the sport department of BTV media group, says women can now take up top positions in different sectors. They only deserve an opportunity to showcase what they can do.
THE MESSAGE The overarching message resonating from these voices is clear: it’s essential to foster equal opportunities and celebrate women as champions in their own rights, beyond the traditional roles of wives and mothers. As the call for change reverberates throughout the sports media industry, it’s evident that the journey towards gender equality, diversity, and inclusion is far from over.
