Women’s football has witnessed a dramatic surge in popularity over recent years. Germany specifically, a country known for its footballing heritage, has seen increased viewership and investment in its women’s teams. However, the sport still grapples with a deeply entrenched patriarchal structure that majorly hinders progress. Today we’re going to look at what the problem is exactly.
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 drew record-breaking audiences, signaling much needed growth in the audience for women’s football. Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga also enjoyed higher attendance figures and media coverage compared to previous seasons. Yet, this surge in visibility contrasts sharply with the systemic discrimination that continues to writhe its way into the sport.
A report by DW highlights how patriarchal norms manifest in different ways within German sports. Leadership positions in football clubs and national associations remain overwhelmingly male-dominated, perpetuating an environment where women’s contributions are undervalued. This issue is not confined to Germany obviously, and isn’t simply restricted to the problem of representation in leadership. Globally, women’s football teams face inadequate funding, poor facilities, and significantly lower wages compared to their male counterparts.
Patriarchal structures in sports create significant barriers for women at all levels. In Germany, organizations like Safe Sport have identified widespread cases of psychological and sexual violence, with most incidents going unreported due to fear of retaliation or dismissal. These power imbalances are exacerbated by a lack of women in decision-making roles, which stifles progress and reinforces male dominance in football. Furthermore, there remains a lack of substantial data to back the movement. For example, there is currently no data of domestic abuse/violence against women following football games in Germany (such as the rise in domestic abuse after England wins or loses an important game).
FIFA’s historical underfunding of women’s tournaments and inconsistent support for grassroots initiatives have hindered the global growth of women’s football. Despite recent improvements, such as increased prize money for women’s tournaments, the gap between men’s and women’s football remains stark.
The increasing popularity of women’s football presents an opportunity to challenge patriarchal norms. Public campaigns, such as Germany’s “Orange the World” initiative, which raises awareness about gender-based violence, showcase how athletes can use their platforms to advocate for societal change. Bayern Munich’s Giulia Gwinn and the German women’s national team have been vocal supporters of such campaigns, illustrating the sport’s potential as a vehicle for activism:
“The figures on violence against women and girls are shocking every year,” said Gwinn. “That’s why it’s important to us to send out a clear signal together as the women’s national team this year and support the ‘Orange the World’ campaign.”
This statement from Gwinn is extremely important in the sense that role models are a massive factor in a movement as large as this. Having a public figure speaking out against the systemic discrimination is pivotal, and the footballing world stands with Gwinn and the rest of the German team.
Internationally, the fight for equality has gained momentum. For instance, the US Women’s National Team’s legal battle for equal pay has inspired similar movements worldwide. In Germany, efforts are underway to create safer environments in sports, with organizations like Safe Sport providing psychological and legal support to victims of abuse, a number that is consistently increasing.
Breaking down patriarchal barriers in women’s football requires collective action. Structural changes, such as increasing female representation in leadership roles and enforcing stricter policies against abuse, are crucial. Equally important is the need for continued investment in women’s football at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to professional leagues.
As viewership and support for women’s football grow, so does the opportunity to dismantle the patriarchal systems that have long hindered its development. By addressing these systemic issues, women’s football can not only achieve parity with the men’s game but also set a powerful example for equality in sports and beyond.
