Women in Sports: an Evolution

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Women’s participation in sports has been on a steady incline since the Olympic games of 1900 when they were first permitted to compete. Even though they were only allowed to participate in tennis and golf, this was a significant turning point for female athletes. As the number of events in which women could participate gradually increased over the century, so did the number of women athletes; in the 1900 Olympics, only 22 women competed in events, but the 2024 Olympics featured over 5,000 female athletes from countries worldwide.

Despite society’s progress towards women's equality, they still lack representation and equal treatment when compared to male athletes. In the 2022 World Cup, the women’s prize money was almost three times less than the men’s. In 2019, the prize money for women was 30 million dollars in contrast to the men’s astonishing 400 million dollars. The difference in payment between men and women also carries over to the National Basketball Association (NBA) and its counterpart, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). For example, the highest-paid NBA player, Stephen Curry, is paid $55.8 million a year, while Jackie Young, the highest-paid WNBA player, receives $252,450 per year. These talented female athletes work just as hard as male athletes, but they are constantly underpaid and unappreciated in their occupations. 

Increasing the popularity of women’s sports in the media will ultimately encourage more young girls to become athletes. Physical activity and exercise are significant to a child’s development and create long-term healthy habits. Moving your body can release stress and prevent mental health problems. Being a part of a team can expose girls to making life-long bonds and relationships as well. The environment forces them to collaborate and work with their teammates, no matter their differences. 

Women's representation is important not only for women athletes to get recognition but also to inspire young girls around the world. As more attention is drawn to women in sports, more girls will be able to see a visual representation of what they could become.