The women’s World Cup finished a few weeks ago, and it certainly had people talking!
While the men’s World Cup has historically been one of the most-watched tournaments around the globe, the women’s has never achieved quite the same level of success.
This year was a bit different, however. Matches were among some of the most-watched TV of the year, with men and women across the globe tuning in.
So, what does this mean for women, and the world in general? Let’s take a look! About the women’s World Cup
The women’s World Cup unofficially began in 1970, but for a long time, it was not taken seriously like the men’s World Cup has been.
FIFA became involved in the tournament after 1986 when a delegate named Ellen Wille campaigned for more promotion of women’s football.
The first FIFA women’s football tournament took place in China in 1988, and the first official women’s World Cup occurred in 1991.
However, it was still not taken anywhere nearly as seriously as the men’s; there was no prize money until 2007 and women were not treated as professionals.
As women’s rights are improving across the globe, women’s sports have become more popular. While the 2023 women’s World Cup hasn’t been quite as globally watched as the men’s, there’s no denying that people have their eye on the tournament much more.
This year, the women’s World Cup took place across Australia and New Zealand. Favourites to win were the U.S., who have won four women’s World Cups so far (interestingly, the U.S. men’s “soccer” team don’t tend to do very well in the World Cup!).
Ultimately, Spain took the cup home after a nail-biting final with England.
The next women’s World Cup will take place in 2027 and so far, there’s been much more bidding to host it than in any other women’s World Cup in history!
It will take place in one of the following countries:
- Belgium, Netherlands and Germany
- South Africa
- Brazil
- U.S. and Mexico
Breaking Down Stereotypes
So, what’s the impact of the women’s World Cup?
Frankly, it’s shown that women can play sports – and they do play them very well.
It’s given younger girls all over the globe the inspiration to follow their dreams, even if these are in a typically male-dominated field.
Plus, it’s challenged both sexist rhetoric and unconscious biases in people across the world.
It very much aligns with women’s rights improving across the globe, and is just one example of a general female empowerment that we hope continues to prosper!
How to Continue Supporting Women’s Football
So, how do we keep this inspirational momentum rolling, ensuring that we keep empowering women to play sports, take jobs in male-orientated workplaces or just follow their dreams, whatever they may be?
Here are a few tips:
Go to Matches
One of the best ways to support women’s football is to, quite simply, go to matches!
Just as you can purchase tickets to men’s football, you can easily buy tickets for women’s football as well.
In the UK, you can see a list of matches on the FA website and click through to the club page to buy tickets.
Choose a Club to Support
Many people have a preferred men’s football club – so why not choose a favoured women’s football club too?
This could be your local team or one that you have a connection to. Bonus points if you can see them play a lot!
Once you’ve become a fan of a particular women’s football club, support them in any way possible! You could buy some memorabilia, follow their matches online or learn about the players.
Some people like to bet on their favourite team in women’s football – as they do for men’s and other sports.
But it’s important to remember that betting is a form of gambling, just like casino games and slots, so it’s important to do it responsibly – or not at all if you can’t afford to lose the money.
Speak to Younger People about its Importance
Possibly the most important aspect of the women’s World Cup is how much it can inspire and empower girls and young women. If you have children or young adults in your family, speak to them about its importance.
If they’re girls, it’ll help them to dream and imagine what they could achieve. If they’re boys, it’ll make them less likely to grow up with biases about gender norms.
Final Thoughts
Women’s football has become astonishingly popular over the last few years, and it’s likely to only increase as sexism is challenged across the globe. We’ll have to wait four years for the next tournament, but with increasing investment into female football and some excellent new players in teams all over the world, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic one!
