Juggling Textbooks and Track Spikes
For aspiring athletes around the world, the path to sporting glory shouldn’t be paved with academic sacrifice. Yet female student-athletes face a unique set of challenges that transcend borders. From funding disparities to a lack of media recognition and societal demands, they pass a system that often prioritizes their male counterparts.
The Persistent Challenges of Female Student-Athletes
Unequal funding remains a significant barrier. A 2020 report by UNESCO found a concerning gender gap in sports participation funding across many developing countries. This lack of resources translates into limited access to training facilities that meet safety standards, essential equipment, and qualified coaches. Imagine a young track star in Kenya training on a dirt track, or a budding basketball player in India lacking access to proper coaching. These disparities significantly hinder female athletes’ potential on the global stage.
The struggle for the media spotlight transcends borders as well. A 2021 study by the International Working Group on Women & Sport revealed that women’s sports receive disproportionately less media coverage across various regions. This lack of visibility creates a domino effect. With limited media attention, female athletes struggle to secure sponsorships, further hindering program funding and perpetuating the cycle. A footballer in Brazil or a volleyball player in China may be dominating their sport, but without media recognition, their talent remains unseen by potential supporters.
Balancing academics and athletics further complicates the equation for female student-athletes. Many juggle rigorous academic schedules with demanding training regimes, leaving them with less time for rest and recovery. This pressure to prioritize academics often stems from societal stereotypes that view female athletes as less dedicated students. Imagine a young swimmer in Australia excelling in the pool but facing constant pressure to prove her academic capabilities as well. These stereotypes force female student-athletes to constantly fight for recognition in both realms.
Beyond the Obstacles: Resilience and Inspiration
Despite these challenges, female student-athletes worldwide are a force to be reckoned with. They demonstrate remarkable resilience, juggling academic pursuits with athletic excellence. Alex Morgan, one of the most celebrated women’s soccer players in history, grew up in Southern California. She attended UC Berkeley, where she was a star from the beginning, excelling in college sports and leading the team in scoring in her first year. She missed a lot of time due to her commitments to the U.S. national team. In 2019, she led the fight for the USNWT to get equality compared to the men’s team. The lawsuit was filed on March 8th of the year, International Women’s Day, with her name listed first in the lawsuit. In December 2020, part of the lawsuit was settled.
Indian sport has seen a massive rise in the number of its female athletes shining on the world stage. Manasi Joshi is a skilled para-badminton player who has, in her career so far, broken headlines and won major titles for herself. She had an accident in 2011 that led to the amputation of one of her legs; however, she didn’t let this stop her success. She acquired a prosthetic leg and has since gone on to badminton stardom. Manasi is world number one in the women’s singles set of the Badminton World Federation for the para-badminton category. Manasi has won several awards, including 3 medals in the World Para-Badminton Championships. The 31-year-old is a B.E.E. graduate of Electronics Engineering from the K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering. She also used to work as a software engineer before she became a para-badminton player.
Their stories deserve recognition on a global scale. Amplifying their achievements and struggles can inspire future generations of girls to pursue their athletic dreams.
Building a Level Playing Field
Advocating for equal funding, increased media coverage, and a more supportive environment are crucial. These are steps towards creating a level playing field for all student-athletes. By dismantling these barriers, we can empower the next generation of female athletes. Imagine a world where every young girl with a dream, irrespective of sport, has access to the resources and support she needs to excel.
The fight for equality in women’s sports is a global one. By acknowledging the challenges faced by female student-athletes worldwide, celebrating their achievements, and advocating for change, we can foster a promising future. Athletes can chase both victories and academic success, empowered to reach their full potential without sacrificing their dreams.
Source: 1. UNESCO. (2020). Gender equality in sport and physical education policy. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. 2. International Working Group on Women & Sport. (2021). Women and girls in sport and physical activity: 2021 global report. International Working Group.
–Aditya Arun, a sports management master’s graduate, is a versatile athlete, sports manager, and polyglot with diverse industry expertise.
