Essentially, she concluded that why would she want to put her daughter in a position where she was likely to be a minority, to face sexism and discrimination. Valid point, but overall I disagree. I agree that the change in attitude to women in sport, particularly in football will not change through one trailblazer (e.g. Sam Mostyn or Rebecca Madden), but we need to have a consistent and collaborative approach in order to facilitate change and let society know, 'hey it's ok that females are involved in footy!'.
I have a consistent message in all of my speeches on gender equality - change will come through Generation Y males purely based on the fact that they have not been exposed to an upbringing which would result in them having a high level of inherited subconscious bias (against women). Male gen y's were the first generation where mothers worked full-time and fathers were primary care givers; they are used to having women in what was a traditionally male role. The ripple effect will continue so much so that future generations will have even less of an inherited bias - well that is my hope.
By encouraging our children to challenge gender specific barriers, we will facilitate a change for the future. While I fully respect the decision that Ms Edwards has made, I hope in years to come she will not have to be concerned about her daughter's welfare and the impact exposing her to football could have on her confidence, self-esteem and outlook on life.
To do this, we, as leaders of our generation, need to call out the sexist or discriminatory behaviour and celebrate women in sport, whether they be a player, spectator, coach, umpire or commentator. To stay silent is to accept the conduct.
I don't have children, but I played hockey since I was 4, softball since I was 8, touch football since I was 9, and then in high school went into rowing, volleyball, soccer and continued with athletics and other school sports. I maintain a high level of sport as I embark on my 30s and last year I started boxing. As kids we played tackled red rover with the boys, challenged them in 'Force Back' and held our own in the kicking game. We were never told we couldn't or shouldn't do that. We were encouraged to participate, and I will adopt the same position for my children. Parents would never tell their sons not to watch dancing, or participate in ballet because he may be laughed at, or be ostracised based on gender. He would be encouraged to stand tall, put it past him and do what makes him feel happy. The same should be for our daughters and football!
I hope that change for women in sport comes sooner rather than later. As Ms Edwards highlighted, it is estimated that 40% of club members are women. If the Australian sporting industry (in this I include clubs, players, sponsors, spectators, umpires and commentators) does not recognise the significant role women play in sport, it will be to the detriment of Australian sport, which is without a doubt a significant part, if not the largest part, of Australia's culture and identity.
I coach at, play for, and am a Non-Executive Committee Member at Toowong FC. I am proud of the commitment they have made to girls and women in sport with their programs. I call on all those involved to work towards making it more acceptable for women to have a role in Australian sport (especially football), even if it by way of watching and supporting your team, so that mothers like Ms Edwards don't have to be concerned with the impact it could have on their daughters.
Toowong Tomcats 2015 team.
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