As her 1989 tour was in MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Taylor Swift decided to invite the winning U.S. women’s soccer team on stage during her hit song, “Style.” The championship team brought the women’s World Cup trophy with them and allowed Swift to hold it. The crowd, Swift, and the team all began to chant, “USA, USA.” By doing this, Taylor Swift gave these women the respect and attention they deserve.
All over the Internet, you will find people complaining about the inequality of the pay of women in athletics compared to men. While this issue is important to talk about, one needs to realize that women sports do not bring in half as much money as men’s sports, especially in soccer. In the 2003 Women’s World Cup, the U.S. team won third place, resulting in every team member being awarded $25,000. In 2002, the U.S. men's national soccer team members received $200,000 each for only reaching the quarterfinals. womenssportsfoundation.org states that in order to help change this inequality among men and women, you can do six things.
1. Attend women's sporting events.
Without support and attendance at events, money will not be brought in. While many women are complaining about the professional sport salary gap, those same women are not attending the women’s sporting events and helping bring in revenue. While you’re at it, maybe buying a shirt or two would be a good idea. With that financial support, women’s sports can boost their pay for their players.
2. Support companies that advocate for women's athletics.
Companies that openly support women’s athletics are rare, but still more common than you may think. Start asking when you go somewhere. Who knows? Maybe they do not support women’s athletics because they do not know of any. Your question may turn into a suggestion.
3. Encourage television stations and newspapers to cover women's sports.
If you want to become a fan of women’s sports, but are having trouble locating it anywhere on television, do something about it. Call the TV station and request for them to air these games. If that doesn’t work, get a group of friends together and have them all call. Just like the U.S. women’s soccer team, we have to work together to get things accomplished.
4. Sign up to coach a girls' sports team, whether at the recreational or high school level.
This one may not seem like it would help a salary gap, but you would be surprised. As a coach, you could encourage your girls and show them how successful they can be as long as they believe in themselves and have confidence. Make sure they are aware of the reality of professional women’s sports so that they can be sure to support them now. Then, in the future, they will get that same support.
5. Encourage young women to participate in sports.
Girls need to know at a young age that it’s okay to enjoy being outside, running through the grass, and playing with footballs, soccer balls, and baseballs. Princess dolls and Mom’s make up are not the only toys for a young girl to have.
6. Become an advocate.
If you are, or know, a female athlete who is being discriminated against -- advocate for her rights. Stand up and tell the world that you are not okay with women athletes getting paid less then men athletes.
