Female athletes made a powerful statement in a Paris fashion show to celebrate gender equality in the Olympics. Despite the milestone, they emphasized the ongoing need to address issues such as working conditions, compensation, and visibility for women in sports.
Former and current athletes, including esteemed individuals like Natalie Cook, Sarah Walker, and Athing Mu, took to the catwalk wearing T-shirts adorned with slogans like “Parity Paris” and “I Am.”
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics marks the first time in history that an equal number of male and female athletes will compete overall. However, there is still significant variation in gender representation by country and sport.
Notably, Paris is where women made their debut appearance in the Olympics in 1900, accounting for only 2% of the total participants. Ebony Morrison, who will be representing Liberia in the 100-meter hurdles, emphasized the need for continued efforts to safeguard the interests of women in sports during an interview with Reuters.
According to MENAFN website that the challenges faced by women athletes, including issues with their attire, online harassment, and the lack of safe spaces, have come to the forefront. Furthermore, they encounter challenges in receiving support from professionals such as doctors and coaches.
These issues require urgent attention and resolution. With the upcoming Paris Games, the fashion industry has demonstrated a revitalized interest in women athletes. For instance, US sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson graced the cover of Vogue magazine, and Marie Claire magazine released a Women in Sports issue featuring basketball player A’ja Wilson. According to Olympic Broadcasting Services CEO Yiannis Exarchos, over half of the content on the Olympics and Olympic social channels is now dedicated to women.
