The advance of respect for Women in Sport has accelerated in recent years and is already in a better place than many might have imagined. But it has still got a long way to go to achieve the parity of esteem we have been pushing the agenda on for a decade. We have been far from alone but progress is all about today and tomorrow and we cannot ease up.

Change generally comes in smaller rather than larger gestures. In the everyday improvements that add up over time to make a real difference.

It’s the 24/7 spotlight that matters and to keep that on, Sport for Business, with the support of our Women in Sport Partner Lidl will, each Friday for the next 24 weeks, highlight seven things in the week gone by that have been important to note in the world of Women in Sport.

Week Ending November 18th, 2022

 

One: Irish Women Make Cricket History in Pakistan

A commanding win over Pakistan in the final T20 international in Lahore saw Ireland clinch a historic first T20I series victory over Pakistan, with a brilliant half-century from Gaby Lewis setting up the triumph.

The historic series win is the first time Ireland women have won a series against Pakistan, their first series win overseas against a Test-playing nation, and the first for any Ireland side in Pakistan.

It is a mammoth achievement and comes on the heels of the Men’s team beating both the west Indies and England in Australia in recent weeks.

 

Two: Rugby World Cup Final One for the Ages

For those who got up early enough last Saturday morning, the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final was one of the best games you are likely to see this year.

New Zealand and England played out a game of contrasting styles that had tries, cards, changes of lead and a dramatic end to rival any other sporting event of 2022

 

Three: Equal Billing

RTÉ’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup gets started on Sunday.  Joanne Cantwell and Claire McNamara will be sharing anchor duties with Peter Collins and Tony O’Donoghue throughout the tournament.

 

Four: IOC Call to Action

The 8th International Working Group (IWG) World Conference on Women and Sport closed with a call to action developed over four days of meetings, reflection and shared determination to move the needle on gender equality in sport.

The call to action included the following:

  • Put women, in all their diversity, at the heart of decision-making in every facet of sport and active recreation
  • Develop gender equity policy and investment focused on women coaches and officials at all levels
  • Normalise the inclusion of young voices
  • Encourage male allies to listen, speak out and act! Being silent is being complicit
  • Ensure safeguarding is embodied within the psyche of sport, from grassroots to elite
  • Collectively mobilise a movement in sport to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and provide a sense of belonging for all
  • Create safe spaces to have conversations about gender identity to ensure everyone has access to sport and physical activity
  • The time for climate change is yesterday – every small action you take adds up globally to make a difference
  • Make well-being the foundation of all sport and physical activity. Keep that foundation strong
  • If it’s about me – include me! Bring athletes to the decision-making table
  • Deliver the same opportunities and resources for women as men, including pay equity
  • Showcase diverse sports role models in the media, challenging attitudes, and stereotypes
  • Schedule women’s sports events in prime-time broadcasting slots
  • Innovate the coverage of women’s sport (beyond traditional media) to leverage new consumers.

Five: F1 Academy

Formula 1 has announced the launch of its own all-female driver category, the F1 Academy, which the sport hopes will eventually lead to a woman racer on the grid.

The series will start in 2023 and F1 say it will be an ‘extra route’ up the motorsport pyramid for young women alongside W Series, the similarly all-female championship that is aiming to return for a fourth season next year despite having its 2022 campaign shortened amid financial difficulties.

Lella Lombardi was the last woman to drive in F1 back in 1976.

 

Six: Design for Safety

A group of sports and exercise researchers, doctors, and staff involved in elite women’s football in England – including England captain Leah Williamson – have highlighted the need for more kit and technology tailored to women’s needs and body shape.

Football boots fail to account for the fact that women’s feet, heels and arches are shaped differently while wearing boots designed for men runs the risk of injury in terms of stress fractures and ligament damage.

Women move and run in a different way to men yet both wear the same design of studs, designed for men’s movement patterns.

 

Seven: Awards to be Streamed

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Championship sponsors TG4 have confirmed plans to live-stream the announcement of the 2022 TG4 All-Star team.

Viewers can also find out live who wins the prestigious TG4 Senior Players’ Player of the Year award at the 2022 TG4 All-Star banquet, in association with Lidl, with the Junior and Intermediate winners to be revealed earlier in the evening.

As the awards are being handed out at The Bonnington Dublin Hotel next Saturday, November 19, viewers can tune in by visiting either the LGFA Facebook Page or the Spórt TG4 YouTube page.

The LGFA and TG4 have also confirmed details of a pre-banquet preview show, which will be streamed live and simultaneously on these platforms from 7 pm.