Women leaders suddenly drawing a blank as to why fairness is important when it comes to other women and girls is infuriating. But for fairness, they w
Women leaders suddenly drawing a blank as to why fairness is important when it comes to other women and girls is infuriating. But for fairness, they would never be where they are.
But for the sacrifices and courage of others to make whatever degree of fairness is currently available to women and girls possible, their accomplishments would never be possible.
Their sudden amnesia on the critical importance of “fairness” in the lives of all female human beings is a stinging betrayal. This will leave a scar.
Fairness in sports-especially for women and girls- is important for several reasons:
(in random order but filled with an abundance of gratitude, appreciation, and admiration)
Serena Williams
Simone Biles
Venus Williams
1. Equality and Human Rights:
Fairness in sports ensures that women and girls have access to equal opportunities, resources, and support to participate and excel in sports.
It upholds their fundamental rights to participate in sports without discrimination based on being born female.
2. Integrity and trust:
Fairness ensures the integrity of the sport and builds trust among athletes, teams, and fans.
When fairness is maintained, participants believe that the outcome of a competition is determined solely by their skills, efforts, and strategies, rather than by cheating or unfair advantages. This fosters an environment of trust and respect among competitors and the sport itself.
Martina Navratilova
Wilma Rudolph
Allyson Felix
Althea Gibson
3. Health and Well-being:
Sports offer numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Fairness ensures that women and girls can engage in sports under fair conditions, promoting their overall health, well-being, and self-esteem.
It also encourages lifelong engagement in physical activity, leading to healthier lifestyles.
4. Equal opportunity:
Fairness ensures that all participants have an equal opportunity to compete and succeed in a sport.
When rules and regulations are applied consistently, it eliminates any unfair advantages or disadvantages that may arise due to factors such as:
- wealth,
- resources,
- or personal connections.
Fairness promotes a level playing field where talent and dedication are the primary determinants of success.
Dawn Staley
Sonja Henie
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Sha’carri Richardson
5. Breaking Stereotypes and Challenging Gender Norms:
Fairness in sport provides women and girls the platform to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and prove their athletic abilities among other female athletes. It helps dismantle gender biases that often associate women and girls with weaker or limited athletic capabilities.
6. Sportsmanship and ethical behavior:
Fairness promotes the values of sportsmanship and ethical behavior among athletes. It encourages participants to compete in a respectful and honorable manner, adhering to the rules and regulations of the sport.
This helps in cultivating virtues such as:
- discipline,
- respect,
- and self-control,
which extend beyond the field of play and into other areas of life.
Cheryl Miller
Lisa Leslie
Sheryl Swoopes
Coco Gauff
7. Confidence and Empowerment:
Fair competition allows women and girls to compete against their peers under equal rules and conditions. When they experience fair outcomes based on their skills and efforts, it helps:
- build confidence,
- self-belief,
- and a sense of empowerment.
This can positively impact their personal and professional lives beyond sports
8. Enhances enjoyment and fan engagement:
Fairness enhances the enjoyment and excitement of sports for fans. When competitions are fair, spectators can appreciate the skills and efforts of athletes and witness exciting and unpredictable outcomes.
It creates:
- a sense of anticipation,
- suspense,
- and emotional investment,
which increases fan engagement and interest in the sport.
Nadia Comăneci
Kristi Yamaguchi
Dominique Moceanu
Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo)
9. Equal Opportunities and Professional Advancement:
Fairness in sports opens doors for women and girls to pursue competitive careers in sports. It helps
- create pathways for professional development,
- scholarships,
- sponsorships,
- and leadership roles within sporting organizations.
This enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to shaping the future of sports.
10. Role model for society:
Fairness in sports allows female athletes to become role models and inspire future generations of women and girls. By witnessing the achievements and successes of female athletes, others are encouraged to:
- pursue sports,
- believe in their abilities,
- and aspire to greatness,
diversifying the sports landscape further.
Fairness in sports sets an example for fairness in society at large. When individuals observe fair competition, they are more likely to internalize the values of fairness, justice, and equality. Sports can serve as a platform to promote these values and inspire individuals to uphold them in their personal and professional lives.
Knowing what we know about fairness, I could not disagree more strongly with National Women’s Law Center President Fatima Goss Graves who stated that at female athletes should “learn to lose gracefully” at the Title IX hearing on transgender athletes in school sports. Female athletes must learn what it feels like to win.
Female athletes must finally learn what it feels like to have:
- economic investment including corporate sponsorship and government funding
- entire communities filling the bleachers to come cheer on women and girls
- community, family, and school members proudly wearing their jerseys.
- community, family, and school members in caravans of buses to watch women and girls compete against one another
- maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the competitions,
- providing equal opportunities,
- fostering sportsmanship and ethical behavior, enhancing fan engagement,
- and setting an example for fairness in society.
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