Why don’t girls in sports have as many opportunities as boys?
“My experiences in the field made me realize how much your gender determines the way the world sees you and which opportunities you have access to,” Aadhya shares. (Courtesy of Aadhya Shrestha)
16-year-old Nepali student Aadhya Shrestha explores the unequal treatment of boys and girls in school sports.
My brother instilled a love for football in me at a very young age. He taught me everything — from dribbling the ball to maintaining my stamina throughout the game. I was fascinated by the intricate beauty of the game and by how it felt like you had the world at your feet.
However, being a female football player has not always been the easiest. My experiences in the field made me realize how much your gender determines the way the world sees you and which opportunities you have access to.
In middle school, I looked forward to playing football in P.E. class. Most of the other girls didn’t feel the same; and even though it was intimidating being different, I wasn’t deterred. Not playing the sport I loved so much scared me more than being different.
It wasn’t long before I realized that P.E. was the only place in my Nepali community where it was deemed “normal” for girls like me to play football. As a result, significantly fewer girls even participated in the sport. The boys had several school teams to play on, but the girls had none. I remember how crushed I felt when I found out I couldn’t play for my school. Naturally, I was jealous, but there was very little I could do. After that point, the already small number of girls who played football decreased even more.
“P.E. was the only place in my Nepali community where it was deemed ‘normal’ for girls like me to play football. As a result, significantly fewer girls even participated in the sport.”
A growing problem
Around the world, there are significantly fewer female high school athletes than males, especially in lower-income countries like Nepal. An example of gender inequality in athletics can be taken from the U.S. Women's National Team who, despite bringing in more revenue to U.S. Soccer than the men’s team, were paid around 38% less.
But it does not end with equal pay. Women do not have the same opportunities as their male counterparts in high school, college or international athletic programs. The presumption is that any male can immediately adjust to the tempo of the game with girls, but females cannot adjust to the playing speed of men. It is quite rare to see a female in a leadership role in a mixed-gender sports game. This tendency is rooted in patriarchy, discouraging girls from pursuing careers as athletes because there aren't as many chances for them.
Another reason female sports teams are discrepantly funded is due to popularity. Men's high school sports games usually rack up thousands of people in attendance, including celebrities and public figures, yet female teams struggle to even get students of their own schools to watch. Despite recent progress, discrimination against female athletes based on their actual or perceived gender identity persists. Girls who participate in sports can experience bullying, social isolation and negative performance evaluations.
“It does not end with equal pay. Women do not have the same opportunities as their male counterparts in high school, college or international athletic programs,” Aadhya shares. (Courtesy of Aadhya Shrestha)
The benefits of sports for girls
These disparities on the field not only deprive girls of their rights, but also negatively affect the mental health of girls around the world. Sports often act as a coping mechanism against everything and help moderate stress and anxiety levels.
Playing sports positively enhances every aspect of girls’ lives. Sports, more than any other childhood experience, clearly demonstrates that you win some and lose some. The ability to get back up after being knocked down is incorporated into the game. Each game also teaches you an invaluable lesson on sportsmanship.
Furthermore, studies show that 61% of girls who have a GPA of 4.0 or above and play on a sports team are 14% more likely to pursue their dream career. The mentality sports develops prepares girls with the grit needed to pursue anything they desire. Research shows that girls who play sports have a higher level of confidence and self-esteem and lower levels of depression. Participation and support in these activities can provide girls an opportunity to explore their limits, which helps them discover what they are really capable of.
“It was hard when I learned that I would not be able to play football for my school. They were denying me the ability to do something I love so dearly because it was not as popular as boys’ sports. Football offered me a place to reflect, even in one of my hardest moments. Sports have been one of the most important aspects of my life. I was not yet ready to let go of it.”
What happens next
It was hard when I learned that I would not be able to play football for my school. They were denying me the ability to do something I love so dearly because it was not as popular as boys’ sports. Football offered me a place to reflect, even in one of my hardest moments. Sports have been one of the most important aspects of my life. I was not yet ready to let go of it. Fortunately, I was able to continue playing. When I moved up grades and went to high school, my high school had a team. I became the youngest member of the school team. We participated in several regional tournaments, even winning some.
Leaders and schools everywhere should promote inclusivity in sports for girls around the world by providing equal funding and opportunities to all teams, whether it’s for facilities, coaches or other support. Being exposed to sports at a young age can help increase their popularity for future generations. My greatest hope is that the youth will be introduced to all kinds of sports, regardless of their gender. And that girls will always be encouraged to follow their passions.
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