Female Footballers Confront Sexist Abuse: Told to ‘Get Back in the Kitchen’

In the heart of Birmingham, a group of talented young female footballers are breaking barriers and scoring goals, but their victories on the pitch are marred by a harsh reality: the persistent presence of sexism both on and off the field.

These teenagers, who lace up their boots for a team in Birmingham, have courageously spoken out about the barrage of sexist abuse they face, particularly on social media platforms.

From being told to “get back in the kitchen” to enduring mocking and belittling comments, these young athletes are confronting prejudice head-on.

Social media, often hailed as a tool for connectivity and empowerment, becomes a battleground for these players as they share glimpses of their passion for the beautiful game.

Instead of receiving praise and encouragement, their posts showcasing goals and training sessions are met with derogatory remarks from trolls.

Lara, a 17-year-old player for Bournville, reveals the hurtful comments she encounters online, ranging from dismissive attitudes towards women’s football to outright misogyny.

“It makes me feel like there’s no point because I’ll never be looked at the same and it will never be the same,” Lara laments, highlighting the psychological toll of such abuse.

Another player, aged 16, sheds light on the discrimination embedded in everyday interactions, recounting how boys subject them to quizzes and challenges, often resorting to physical aggression to humiliate them.

The prevalence of sexism in football extends beyond virtual spaces, as revealed by a survey conducted by the not-for-profit organization Her Game Too.

Shockingly, 91.9% of respondents reported witnessing sexist abuse online targeting women in football, while nearly 60% admitted experiencing it firsthand in football grounds or pubs.

England and Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Nobbs, a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female footballers, acknowledges the progress made in combating sexism but emphasizes the need for continued vigilance.

Drawing from her own experiences of facing skepticism and prejudice, Nobbs stresses the importance of addressing sexism at its root.

Emily Drakeley, co-founder of Her Game Too, underscores the significance of reporting incidents of sexism, urging individuals to utilize the organization’s reporting line to hold perpetrators accountable.

She emphasizes the role of education in eradicating ingrained biases and fostering inclusivity within the football community.

As Her Game Too expands its reach and influence, prioritizing educational initiatives, the fight against sexism in football gains momentum.

By challenging stereotypes and amplifying the voices of young players, the organization seeks to create a future where football truly becomes a game for all, irrespective of gender.

In a society that champions equality and diversity, it is imperative that the footballing world reflects these values.

Through collective action and unwavering determination, we can kick sexism off the pitch and ensure that every player, regardless of gender, receives the respect and recognition they deserve.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members