Deakin University undertook a pioneering study that exposes a startling reality: 87 percent of elite sportswomen experienced incidences of gendered online violence in the past year alone, accounting for nine out of 10 cases of such injury.
The findings highlight a widespread problem impacting women in all levels of athletic endeavor and across multiple sporting disciplines, despite the public narrative around trolling in women’s sports frequently focusing on well-known individuals like Tayla Harris.
To address and lessen online gender-based harassment in the sports community, there is an urgent need for coordinated measures, as this thorough investigation highlights the problem’s expansive extent.
Elite rugby union player Felicity Goodwin discusses her struggle with overt sexism and covert methods meant to make her feel uncomfortable in the sport. Goodwin’s perseverance and commitment, in the face of discrimination and attempts to discredit her, demonstrate the continuous fight for equality and recognition in fields that have historically been controlled by men.
Felicity Goodwin said, “There were the stereotypical comments of ‘get back in the kitchen and make me a sandwich,” an article from abc.net.au mentioned.
Sportswomen suffers most
In a ground-breaking Deakin study including 138 professional and semi-professional athletes in 32 sports, an astounding 85% of the participants disclosed the negative effects of internet harm on their mental health, with an even more surprising two-thirds reporting feelings of insecurity.
The research revealed a concerning frequency of gendered online harassment, with 81 percent, 62 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, and 39 percent of participants reporting instances of personal insults, hate speech, attempts at embarrassment, and both types of harassment.
It’s shocking to learn that 25% of female athletes experienced homophobic harassment, and 5% had racist attacks. These results highlight how urgently comprehensive measures are needed to protect athletes from the ubiquitous risks associated with online harm.
Goodwin said to abc.net.au, “We were probably an easy target, playing women’s team sports. Especially if you look at rugby, it’s historically a private boys’ school sport, and there’s very much an ‘old boys’ mentality to it.”
Cover Photo: IG
Paul George: Wilt’s 100-Point Game Easier to Beat Than LeBron’s Record