Gender-based discrimination continues to be a significant issue in the football industry, as highlighted by the latest survey from Women in Football (WIF). The findings reveal that 89% of women working in the industry have experienced workplace discrimination, with sexism, bullying, and harassment being particularly pervasive. This issue disproportionately affects women from underrepresented ethnic groups, who face both online and in-person discrimination.
Persistent Discrimination and Underreporting
The WIF survey, conducted in May 2024, indicates that gender discrimination remains a widespread problem in football. Despite increased awareness and public discourse, such as following the high-profile Luis Rubiales incident in 2023, there is still a significant gap in how discrimination cases are handled. The survey found that more than 60% of women who reported incidents said no action was taken, and 16% felt they were not even listened to. This lack of response not only discourages reporting but also perpetuates a culture of silence and inaction within the industry.
Online Abuse on the Rise
Another concerning trend highlighted by the survey is the increase in online abuse. Nearly 44% of respondents reported witnessing a rise in discriminatory posts on social media, and 18% had been directly subjected to such abuse. This digital harassment adds another layer of challenge for women in football, who already face significant barriers in their professional environments.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Interestingly, despite these challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism among both women and men in the industry regarding the future of gender equality in football. The survey showed that 85% of female respondents and 91% of male respondents believe opportunities for women in football will improve. This optimism is reflected in the belief that more women will take on senior leadership roles in the future, with 80% of women and 93% of men agreeing with this sentiment.
However, the data also suggests that achieving gender equality requires more than just optimism. A significant 88% of women believe they have to work harder than their male counterparts to receive the same recognition and benefits. This sentiment is echoed by 74% of men, a notable increase from the 65% who acknowledged this issue in the previous year.
Intersectional Challenges
The survey data also underscored the intersectional nature of discrimination in football. Women from underrepresented ethnic groups reported facing compounded challenges. For example, 58% of these women said they were listened to but received no action on their discrimination reports, and 23% felt completely ignored.
Calls for Systemic Change
The survey's findings highlight the need for systemic change in the football industry. Women in Football CEO Yvonne Harrison emphasised the necessity of taking complaints seriously and acting on them. "Everyone knows that gender discrimination happens in football, but the problem isn't just that it happens – there's an even bigger problem around how football deals with it," she said.
Lungi Macebo, a director at Women in Football, stressed the importance of an intersectional approach to combating discrimination. She noted, "Racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination usually do not exist in isolation. The ongoing fight for gender equality in football is inseparable from the wider battle for a fairer society."
The findings from the WIF survey align with the goals of the organisation's Open Doors Agenda, which calls for specific measures to enhance the representation of women and strengthen protections against discrimination in football. As the industry moves forward, these insights serve as a critical call to action for creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.