March 8, 2024
Empowering Women in Sports: Celebrating International Women’s Day
Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit of women in sports.
International Women’s Day 2024 isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a powerful reminder of the journey we’ve embarked upon towards gender equality and recognition in sports.
Canlan Sports acknowledges this day to honour the contributions of women athletes past, present, and future, and to inspire a new generation to join us in changing the game for the better.
So, you may be wondering why we celebrate International Women’s Day.
Simple: to shine a spotlight on the countless women who have defied the odds, shattered barriers, and paved the way for future generations in the world of sports.
From the early pioneers who dared to dream of competing on equal footing to the modern-day icons who continue to redefine what’s possible, women have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of sports.
Take time today, to expand your knowledge.
Here are five resources to help you delve deeper into the rich history of women in sports:
If you’re looking for a good read:
Explore titles like “Game Changers: The Unsung Heroines of Sports History” by Molly Schiot. There’s also, “The National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer” by Caitlin Murray for insightful narratives on women’s contributions to sports. You could turn to Serena Williams’ “On the line” to hear her story of dominance, resilience, and empowerment redefining tennis greatness, and even Angela Ruggiero’s “Breaking the Ice” how a Hockey champion’s journey breaks barriers for women in sports.
Grab your popcorn, and watch women take centre stage.
Watch documentaries such as “Maiden” which chronicles the groundbreaking journey of the first all-female crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race. You can also check out “The Queen of Katwe” which tells the inspiring true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. We’d be remise if we didn’t mention “A League of Their Own” about Women’s baseball during WWII: championing resiliency and sisterhood. Lastly, a great addition to the list is “The Miracle Season” based on the events of Iowa City West High School, about a Volleyball team’s resilience after tragic loss that inspires community.
Listen while on your commute.
Tune into podcasts like “Burn It All Down” hosted by a diverse group of women who discuss sports from a feminist perspective, or “The Athletic’s Women’s Football Podcast,” which covers the latest news and stories from the world of women’s soccer. We also love listening in on “The Gist of It” podcast, that’s full of sports news, analysis, with impactful interviews from a refreshing female perspective.
Need more? We’ve got your digital fix.
Visit websites like ESPN’s “Women in Sports” section or The Players’ Tribune’s “Athlete Voices” to read compelling stories and interviews with women athletes from around the world. There’s also sites like “Girls in the Game” promoting and celebrating women athletes and empowering young girls through sports, with resources, programs, and advocacy.
There’s even campaigns to check out on social. Follow hashtags like #WomenInSport or #SheCanCoach on social media platforms to stay updated on initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in sports and amplifying the voices of women athletes.
There’s always more to learn, and unlearn, so, as we reflect on the achievements of women in sports, let us also acknowledge the work that lies ahead. Despite significant progress, gender disparities and challenges persist, from unequal pay and limited media coverage to cultural stereotypes and barriers to participation.
But with each stride forward, we move closer to a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to pursue her passion for sports without limitations or barriers. Together, let’s continue to champion inclusivity, diversity, and equality in sports, ensuring that the next generation of athletes has a level playing field to thrive.
