Women’s Sports Deserves More Attention in Australia, Starting Now

For years, women's sports have been overshadowed by men's.

Men's sports are glorified on every channel, on social media, and streaming services; their sportsmen, paid to excess.

Yet women work just as hard in the sporting industry as men do, and when their hard work does not pay off, women can feel belittled and inferior to men. This should not be the case.

Australia is home to some of the best sporting teams in the world; specifically, in women's sport. The Australian Diamonds represent women's netball, the Matildas (Australian women's football team) have been kicking goals since 1978, and the Australia Women's National Cricket Team have represented Australia and smashed records out of the park.

I do not believe men’s and women’s sports should be aired or broadcasted with different levels of exposure; however, I do know that women’s sport in the media needs to be increased. Although I believe broadcasting should be equal, I think if women’s sport dominates men’s for even a week, it could increase participation in women’s sport.

We live in a day and age where obesity is a constantly growing issue facing all different people, but especially for the younger generation. The exposure of some of these amazing teams can encourage young girls to get out and join their local club.

The younger years of a girl’s life are often the most impactful, so the earlier it can be imprinted into their minds that sport can be fun and rewarding, the better.

Of course, all women benefit from the positive impacts of exposure when it comes to females in sport. This widespread media coverage empowers women to reach their goals, push themselves to the limit and experience the positivity that a sport might bring into their lives.

The battle for equality has been fought for hundreds of years, and slowly women are making progress by continually voicing their opinion and not backing down, influencing society to join the fight. Not everyone may want to participate in sports and that is okay too. However, there is no doubt in my mind that women’s sport being spread across the media will influence many to succeed, whether it be in the realm of sport or in their daily lives.

Congratulations to Chloe for winning this week's writing challenge: Should Women’s Sports Get More Attention Than Male Sports in Australia? Chloe wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge!

Photo: Thewomensgame