The USWNT fought for their place in Soccer history and equality.
The comparisons are rarely fair … but in this instance I see it necessary to bring out the women’s US soccer team and their achievements, and compare them to their male counterpart. USA is now the World Champion. The ladies lead by Jill Ellis won the fourth world cup in its history, the second cup in a row. This side scored 13 goals against Thailand in this tournament, more goals in a single match than the men’s team in each of their participations in World Cups since 2006. In the Final of France 2019, Megan Rapinoe, captain of the team scored her sixth goal of the tournament tying Alex Morgan’s record – the maximum number of goals in the tournament. The popularity of women’s soccer, in its short history, has largely depended on the success of the American team – of its performances in the World Cup and Olympic Games. The recognition of the ladies in a soccer field as worthy practitioners of the great sport is directly proportional to the high level of soccer displayed by Ellis’s team. The USWNT is at the top of FIFA rankings and yet the ladies do not enjoy equal pay, the same sponsorships, health benefits or training conditions as the USMNT, team that by the way is ranked 30th by the same governing body- FIFA.
In March of this year, March 8th to be exact, (Women’s International day) 28 members of the women’s soccer team filed a suit against the US Soccer Federation for gender discrimination. The complaint includes, demand for equality in pay, equality in medical benefits, per diems, and training conditions. Now that the USWNT has the World Championship, made history in the world of Sports, the Soccer Federation is willing to reach an agreement through mediation.
This situation hits home at many levels 1. I am a woman tat by all means does a man’s job- I am a boxing expert that has performed in various positions as part of a Broadcasting team. Why would I not get the same pay a man gets for the same job description? 2. I have a daughter. How can I explain or justify this as a fair situation to my teenage daughter?
In a time of political correctness is emphasized constantly, in a time where awareness and sensitivity is being drilled all over our society- my daughter should be able to be and do anything she wants to do and expect fair and equal as her male counterpart.
Not shading on anybody… but in my opinion; if you want something done right- have a woman do it!!!