Dealing with Sexism in Sports: A Real Guide for Women Athletes
- RIZE
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
👉 If you’re a woman in sports, you’ve probably faced sexism — and you’re not alone.
Sometimes it’s loud and obvious, like sexist jokes or being left out of opportunities. Sometimes it’s quiet and constant, like always having to prove you’re good enough — even when you’re one of the best.
💥 But here’s the truth: Sexism is not “just part of sports” — and you don’t have to accept it.
1. What Sexism in Sport Looks Like (It’s Not Always What You Think)
👉 Sexism isn’t only about sexual comments — it’s about treating women as “less than.”
✅ Examples of sexism in sport:
Getting judged for how you look, not how you play.
“You don’t look like an athlete.”
Hearing sexist jokes or comments.
“Women’s sports are boring.”
Being left out of opportunities or decisions because you’re a woman.
“We need a man for this role.”
People doubting your skill just because of your gender.
“Are you sure you can handle that level?”
Less pay, less media, less respect — just because you’re a woman.
2. Why It’s Not About You (Even If It Feels Personal)
💥 Sexism is not about who you are — it’s about the person saying or doing it.
It happens because:
Some people are scared of women being powerful.
Some think sport belongs to men.
Some don’t even realize they’re being sexist — because they’ve never been taught better.
💡 But none of that makes it okay.
👉 You deserve to be treated as an equal — because you are.
3. Why It’s So Hard to Deal With (And Why You’re Not Weak If You Struggle)
💥 Dealing with sexism is exhausting — and it’s normal to feel tired of it.
You might:
Stay quiet to avoid drama or being seen as “difficult.”
Laugh along to “fit in” even if it hurts.
Feel like you have to prove yourself more than men do.
Second-guess your worth because of constant negative comments.
👉 None of this makes you weak — it makes you human.
4. How to Deal With Sexism in Sport — Real Tools That Can Help
✅ A. Trust Your Gut — If It Feels Wrong, It Is
You don’t need to explain or justify why it makes you uncomfortable.
If it makes you feel small, it’s not okay.
✅ B. Call It Out (If Safe to Do So)
“That’s sexist — and it’s not okay.”
“Talk about my skills, not my gender.”
“Would you say that to a man? No? Then don’t say it to me.”
💡 You don’t have to fight every battle — do what feels safe and possible for you.
✅ C. Find People Who Support You (Allies)
A teammate, coach, staff member — someone who listens and respects you.
Other women who’ve been through the same — you’re not alone.
✅ D. Keep Track (If It’s Ongoing)
Write it down: who said it, what they said, when and where.
Save texts or DMs.
This helps if you decide to report it later.
✅ E. Report It (If You Choose To)
To team leadership, federation, safeguarding officer.
You deserve to be taken seriously.
💡 It’s okay to ask for help to report it — you don’t have to do it alone.
5. What to Say to Yourself (Because Sexism Messes with Your Head)
🟢 “This is not about me. I haven’t done anything that would justify this.”
🟢 “This is really happening. It’s not just in my head. And it’s not okay.”
🟢 “I don’t deserve this. I don’t need to put up with it.”
🟢 “They should feel uncomfortable. Not me.”
6. What Coaches, Clubs, and Staff Should Be Doing (And What You Deserve to Expect)
✅ Clear rules against sexist comments and behavior.
✅ Educate coaches, players, staff on gender respect.
✅ Make sure women get the same opportunities, respect, and visibility.
✅ Act fast when someone is sexist — no excuses, no silence.
💡 If they’re not doing this, it’s okay to ask for better — and to expect better.
7. Final Words — You Deserve Respect, Always
💥 You don’t have to accept sexist jokes, comments, or behavior to be part of a team.
💥 You don’t have to be “one of the boys” by laughing at things that hurt you.
💥 You don’t have to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.
💥 You are an athlete — and that’s enough.
8. Need Help? RIZE Is Here for You
💬 Confidential support for athletes facing sexism in sports.
💬 Workshops and education for clubs to create real respect.
💬 Personal strategies for dealing with sexist culture while staying strong.
💙 Sport belongs to everyone — and women don’t have to fight for their place alone. 💪🔥
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