Kick It Out Research Reveals 52% of Women Experience Sexism in Football

The Rise of Sexism in Football: A Call to Action

Kick It Out, a prominent charity addressing discrimination in football, has unveiled alarming findings regarding the prevalence of sexist behavior and language faced by female fans during matchdays. A recent survey revealed that over half (52%) of female fans reported experiencing sexist behavior while attending matches, underscoring the urgent need for intervention in the sport.

Survey Insights: The Reality for Women and Non-Binary Fans

The study, which involved 1,502 women and non-binary fans, highlighted troubling statistics. An overwhelming 85% of respondents had never reported incidents of sexist or misogynistic abuse, often believing it would be dismissed or ineffective. Additionally, while 77% expressed feeling safe at matches, nearly 25% admitted to feeling unsafe, particularly among underrepresented groups such as ethnic minorities, LGBTQ individuals, disabled fans, and younger supporters.

Voices from the Community: Hollie Varney's Statement

Hollie Varney, the Chief Operating Officer of Kick It Out, emphasized the necessity for football organizations to seriously address sexism and provide an environment where women feel comfortable reporting abuse. The rise in reports to Kick It Out in recent seasons reflects a concerning trend, with women sharing experiences of:

• Sexist chants
• Dismissal of their opinions based solely on gender
• Misogynistic abuse targeted at officials and medical staff

"We want to empower male supporters to challenge sexist behavior and inform female fans that such conduct is unacceptable and can be reported," Varney stated.

Campaign Goals: Promoting Change

This campaign, which boasts support from organizations like Her Game Too and White Ribbon, aims to foster a culture where sexism is openly challenged and reported. It comes amid a notable increase in reported sexism incidents, calling for systemic change in how clubs handle such occurrences.

Experiences of Misogyny: The Survey's Findings

Forty-two percent of respondents disclosed experiencing sexist behavior that included:

• Questioning their knowledge of football rules
• Wolf-whistling
• Harassment and unwanted attention

Instances of inappropriate touching, physical violence, and sexual assault were also noted, highlighting the critical need for safer environments.

Perception of Progress: A Mixed Bag

While some fans (40%) acknowledged an improvement in their matchday experiences, many pointed out that stadiums are still lacking in inclusive facilities. Common complaints included:

• Insufficient access to sanitary products and facilities
• Limited presence of female staff
• Inadequate size options in club merchandise

The survey clearly indicated that persistent issues must be addressed to ensure a fully inclusive experience for all fans.

The Importance of Reporting and Positive Outcomes

Data revealed that many women are hesitant to report sexist behavior, primarily due to fears of inaction. However, those who had reported feeling empowered when the perpetrators faced consequences. This emphasizes the importance of thorough follow-through on reported cases.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility for Change

Changing the culture around sexism in football requires collective action from clubs, governing bodies, and fans alike. The findings of this study call for urgent measures to ensure safety and inclusivity for all supporters, demanding a commitment to eradicate sexism from the beautiful game.