When women in sports rise to fame, their success often comes at an unimaginable cost. Beneath their medals and records lies a grim reality of abuse, exploitation, and systemic bias. From athletes murdered by jealous partners to referees coerced into sexual favors to maintain their careers, the hurdles women face off the field are as grueling as those on it.
The world celebrates their wins but too often ignores their struggles. Why is abuse still rampant in the world of women in sports, and why is accountability so rare?
Women in Sports: More Than Just a Game
Sports have long been dominated by men, and for women to break into this space, they’ve had to fight harder and prove more. Today, women in sports are finally gaining recognition for their incredible talent, from Serena Williams redefining tennis to the Lionesses igniting England’s football fever. Yet, for every step forward, systemic misogyny, violence, and harassment attempt to pull them back.
A Grim Pattern in AthleticsIn Kenya, multiple female athletes, including champion Agnes Tirop, were brutally murdered by their partners. Tirop, who held world records, was stabbed to death in her home—a horrifying act reportedly driven by jealousy. She wasn’t alone. Similar cases have shaken the Kenyan sports community, revealing how domestic violence disproportionately affects women in sports, even those at the pinnacle of success. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 1 in 3 women worldwide experiences intimate partner violence. For athletes, these numbers are even more striking, as success often becomes a trigger for male insecurity and jealousy.
Harassment in the System: A Global Issue
Referees Under ThreatThe abuse isn’t limited to athletes. Female referees face rampant harassment within the system that’s supposed to protect them. In Zimbabwe, a major scandal revealed that female referees were forced into sexual relationships with officials to receive assignments. The exploitation mirrored the tactics of Harvey Weinstein, highlighting how power dynamics in sports enable abuse. Globally, the participation of women in sports governance remains dismal. In 2022, only 21% of leadership positions in global sports organizations were held by women. The lack of representation perpetuates a culture where abuse can thrive unchecked.
Casual Misconduct in Broad DaylightIn 2023, a Spanish football official kissed player Jenni Hermoso without consent during a televised celebration of Spain’s Women’s World Cup win. What should have been a triumphant moment turned into a conversation about liberties taken with women, even in public spaces, under the guise of celebration. Hermoso’s courage to speak out sparked global outrage, but the fact remains: these violations are not isolated incidents.
Why Does Abuse Persist?
The normalization of gender-based violence and discrimination in sports stems from deeply entrenched systemic issues:
Power Imbalance: Women in sports often rely on male coaches, managers, or officials, giving abusers control over their careers.
Victim Blaming: Survivors are often questioned rather than supported, deterring others from speaking out.
Lack of Accountability: Many organizations fail to hold perpetrators responsible, enabling a culture of silence.
Jealousy and Control: Successful women are often targeted by partners who feel threatened by their independence and achievements.
Breaking the Cycle
Recognizing the Signs Violence and harassment in sports aren’t always obvious. Subtle signs include controlling behavior, intimidation, or dismissive attitudes toward women’s concerns. Awareness campaigns and education are critical to empowering women to recognize and report abuse.
Women in Sports Need Allyship Organizations must prioritize safeguarding women. Policies addressing harassment and abuse should be clear, enforced, and survivor-centric. Male allies in the sports world need to step up and challenge harmful behavior, using their privilege to support gender equity. A 2021 study by Women Sport International found that 40% of female athletes globally have experienced sexual harassment. The silence that follows these incidents often speaks louder than the acts themselves, as fear and career repercussions keep many women from coming forward.
Amplify Women’s Voices The solution lies in empowering women within sports systems. Representation matters—women as coaches, referees, and decision-makers can challenge existing power dynamics and create safer environments for everyone.
Women in Sports: Triumph Despite the Odds
The resilience of women in sports is nothing short of remarkable. When women in sports lace up their shoes, it’s not just to run, play, or compete—they’re also running from the shadow of discrimination, violence, and exploitation that looms over their careers. Despite the adversities, they continue to break records, inspire generations, and push boundaries. But their success stories shouldn’t mask the ongoing challenges.
At Bertha’s Legacy, we believe every woman deserves to chase her dreams without fear of violence or discrimination. By amplifying awareness, supporting survivors, and holding systems accountable, we can create a safer and fairer world for women in sports.
Will you join us in this fight? Become a donor or volunteer today to support women navigating this journey. Together, we can ensure their victories are celebrated and their voices are heard.
Conclusion: Two battles!
In conclusion, women in sports have already proven their strength, skill, and determination time and time again. Yet, they are still forced to fight not just for victory on the field, but for recognition, respect, and equal opportunity off of it. Why should women have to fight two battles—one to prove their worth as athletes and another to earn a seat at the table, to claim their rightful place in the sport they love? Women in sports shouldn’t have to battle for a place at the table—because that table belongs to them, just as much as anyone else.
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