International Women’s Day 2025 focuses on ‘Right, Equality and Empowerment’.
While the long journey towards gender equality moves closer towards a turning point, sport remains one of the most disproportionately represented fields.
Significant barriers preventing women and girls from participating on an equal platform persist. According to the World Economic Forum, gender parity in all aspects of life, including sport, will not be achieved until at least 2158, highlighting the urgent need to #AccelerateAction.
Like education, access to sport tends to mirror the inequalities that exist between genders. In extreme cases women’s rights have gone backwards and no International Women’s Day should be marked without considering the plight of the women suffering gender apartheid in Afghanistan under the regime’s relentless assaults on women’s rights. In a bitter irony, while the Afghan men’s cricket team continue to participate in international competitions, their female counterparts can only look on from the sidelines having been forced to flee the country for their lives when the Taliban regained power in 2021.
In the Global North, the conversation around women’s sport often revolves around the gulf between gender and pay, media representation, and sponsorship. These issues remain mostly unresolved despite growing visibility. Elsewhere, while momentum towards equality is gaining some traction, albeit slowly, disparities continue to overshadow women’s sport. For example, in a 2023 study on women’s empowerment in sports, UNESCO found that only 5% of total global sports media coverage is dedicated to women’s competitions. The wage gap is equally disproportionate, with Forbes reporting the highest-paid female athlete in 2024, Coco Gauff, earned less than the 100th highest-paid male athlete. Women’s professional leagues struggle to attract sponsorships, receive significantly less prize money, and continue to be sidelined in investment decisions. In 2023, the FIFA Women’s World Cup generated record-breaking viewership, yet received only 25% of the £440m allocated to the men’s tournament.
In lower-income countries, often affected by poverty and conflict, barriers to women’s participation in sport are severe. For many girls in sub-Saharan Africa, the challenge is not just about professional opportunity or representation; it is about being empowered to compete. According to UN Women, in many African nations, less than 10% of total sports funding goes toward women’s initiatives, and girls often lack access to even the most basic sporting infrastructure.
This can be directly correlated to challenging societal attitudes and structural barriers just to get on the playing field.
Sport is still widely regarded as a ‘male domain’, and girls who pursue athletic dreams are frequently discouraged due to stigma or precluded from playing because of community pressures, as well as by their own families.
Despite the challenges, a growing number of African female athletes have broken barriers, proving that talent and opportunity can lead to historic success.
Christine Mboma (Namibia) overcame structural gender barriers and inadequate training facilities to win Olympic silver in the 200m sprint at just 18 years old.
Maria de Lurdes Mutola (Mozambique) consistently over two decades competed in world major tournaments, including the Olympics 6 times. She claimed multiple 800m titles, becoming world champion 3 times and an Olympic champion once. She is one of Africa's most decorated track athletes, overcoming societal challenges to do so.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) became the first African woman to win five African Player of the Year awards and played for FC Barcelona, one of the most successful clubs in women’s football.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) won three consecutive Olympic 1,500m golds (2016, 2020, 2024) and holds world records in the 1,500m and 5,000m.
These athletes and many more like them, serve as role models for a generation of young girls. However, talent alone is not enough. Support systems, investment, and grassroots opportunities remain essential for ensuring that the next generation of female athletes is not left behind, especially where poverty can be a determining factor between access to sport or not.
At Girls in Sport, we recognise that true equality in sport starts with access. We are currently working in Sierra Leone, helping create safe spaces for girls to participate, free from stigma, or risk of harm. Our work recognises both immediate needs and long-term structural change, ensuring that girls can continue playing sports without being forced to drop out due to financial hardship, social pressures, or safety concerns.
Our ‘Sponsor a Champion’ programme ensures that girls from the most deprived communities can continue playing the sports they love while also meeting daily nutritional needs, and support to assist with school costs.
A Girls in Sport Case Study
Mariama, 13, always loved sport, but was forced into street trading to help feed her family while her male siblings were prioritised over her for school fees, and thus playing sport was discouraged. She was often told, "Football is for boys". Without female role models or sports facilities, and facing pressure into early marriage, risking gender-based violence and early pregnancy, she could have easily become constrained by this cycle.
"Now, I play with confidence, just as the boys do. And I encourage other girls to come. I want to inspire others."
As one of our first recipients of the initiative, Mariama received support with school fees, access to safe training spaces, and mentorship from our coaches. Today, Mariama is not only playing but mentoring younger girls, proving that with the right support, no girl should have to face these tough choices.
This International Women’s Day, we invite you to be part of the change. Whether through donations, sharing our mission, or advocating for equal opportunities, your support ensures more girls can access sport, develop confidence, and break barriers.
Sport is not just a game; it is a human right.
Let’s all aim to #accelerateaction and make real progress.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025
A Call to Action
We urge governments and sports federations to increase investment in women’s and girls’ sports, ensuring equal funding, safe facilities, and better pathways to development in gender parity.
We ask media and sponsors to commit to equal media representation for women’s sports, and support grassroots initiatives to nurture future champions, especially in settings where challenges for girls are even more marked.
We ask communities and individuals to support organisations like Girls in Sport by donating, volunteering, or sponsoring a young girl’s education, nutrition and athletic journey.
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