One Question Every Woman in Sports Media Has Been Asked

“Do you even like sport?” – this is one question every woman in sports media has been asked once or multiple times in her career and when I came across an interesting read published on ABC News, it was confirmed, I was not the only one dealing with it.

I always find it fascinating that I have to respond when it is quite clear that my decision to work in the sport industry proves that I do have a passion and love for the game.

But once again, I am a woman and it is “SHOCKING” to see us delve into a male-dominated space (sighs!).

I won’t lie, I am often tempted to give a sarcastic reply because it is draining to keep explaining myself. I have never come across a situation where my male counterpart has been asked the same question – you can correct me if I am wrong.

As women in sport, we are constantly faced with adversity because we can simply not be considered in the industry.

With the recent rise of women in sports media becoming frontrunners and breaking down the barriers of inequality to gain recognition in a very competitive field, there is hope that we can change views of women who opt to work in this industry.

Reading ABC’s article and learning of women being refused interviews because of their gender or being physically assaulted due to a controversial publication is heart-breaking to say the least.

The most laughable factor is that we are not asking for special treatment, all we want is equality and the chance for our work to be judged on its merit and not the appearance of its author.

I am proud to say that I am a young woman who is not only passionate about sport but giving women both on and off the field the platform to share their personal stories.

I am lucky enough to witness more women breaking through the barriers to receiving recognition as incredible journalists, photographers, and reporters and I hope to see this trend continue to rise!

“We are judged by different standards in this, and any male-dominated, industry. Harsh but true. What you wear, how much you weigh, who you date and other trivial factors will be used to judge you when our male counterparts really don’t have to worry about that, they just get to focus on their jobs. Drown out that noise, drown out the doubters and the trolls. Focus on putting in the work, on learning from others and you will succeed. I wish I knew this when I started in TV.” – Sports Broadcaster, Julia Stuart

“Journalism is quite a competitive industry, and this is one of the drawbacks, particularly during the early stages of your career or at every juncture of progress through it. I have tried to control what I can, putting out my best work and continuously pushing my own boundaries.” – Writer and Football Analyst, Melissa Reddy

“The challenges back then were that I was just seen and not heard. The challenges now are that woman are still not heard. Equal pay and respect are still a foreign language in women’s sport.” – Sports Broadcaster, Lebohang Motsoeli