Despite professional advances, women athletes in England continue to face gender-based insults and discrimination—an unpleasant reality that has made verbal and behavioural harassment part of their daily experience in sports arenas.
Almost Half of Women Report Sexist Abuse During Sport
A UK-wide survey of 3,000 female athletes and amateur players reveals nearly 50% have experienced sexist insults such as being told they “throw like a girl,” “look like a man,” or “aren’t strong enough”.
Led by Dr Pallavi Bradshaw: Key Findings
The study, led by Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health Insurance, found:
- Around half of female athletes have faced gender-based insults.
- Common remarks included “you throw like a girl,” “you look like a man,” “not strong enough,” and even unfounded doping accusations.
- Despite improvements in access to women’s sport, Dr Bradshaw emphasised that equality is still a long way off.
Sources of Abuse: Strangers, Athletes, Coaches
According to the data:
- 47% of abuse came from male strangers on the street.
- 44% from male athletes.
- 36% from male coaches.
Beyond Verbal Harassment: Broader Violence
A UN Special Rapporteur’s October report highlighted a range of abuses women and girls face in sport, including forced control, physical violence, corporal punishment, social exclusion, and identity-based abuse.
Online Abuse Astronomical During Tokyo 2020
World Athletics’ study during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics showed that female athletes were the target of 87% of online abuse, encompassing sexist, racist, transphobic comments and unfounded doping allegations.
Call to Action
- 58% of women subjected to sexist abuse said it made them consider quitting sports altogether.
- 88% believe that coaches, officials, spectators, and the broader sporting community must do more—through calling out abuse (74%), promoting equality (65%), and acknowledging women’s achievements (56%).