Solutions from Ukraine: Ukrainian female athletes break stereotypes in sports with This Is My Game initiative

The non-profit organization United by Sport has recently launched a social campaign called This Is My Game. This impactful video series promotes gender equality in sports by challenging stereotypes and showcasing that there aren't any "male-only sports."

Rubryka reports this.

 What is the problem?

Gender disparity in sports continues to be a pressing issue. Numerous female athletes are told that their rightful place is outside the football field or the ring.

Meanwhile, 40% of all sports participants are women, yet women's sports receive only 4% of media coverage.

What is the solution?

The social media campaign showcased renowned Ukrainian athletes and champions of the Olympic and Paralympic Games representing five different sports perceived as traditionally "masculine," such as:

• football,
• powerlifting,
• wrestling,
• archery,
• and table tennis.

How does it work?

This Is My Game is part of the charity program called Girls in Sport. Thanks to this program, United by Sport can promote physical and mental health for girls, give them a chance to participate in different sports and support the growth of both male and female coaches.

"Recently, more and more people are discussing equal rights for women and men. Despite this, gender inequality in sports remains an actual problem. Many female athletes often hear their place is outside the football field or the ring. United by Sport aims to destroy these stereotypes and improve girls' physical and mental health," Anzhela Fokina, president of the United by Sport NGO, said.

Support of outstanding female athletes

 The protagonists of the social campaign were famous Ukrainian athletes, medalists of the Olympic Games, national and European tournaments and competitions, Paralympic Games, including:

• Anastasia Klipachenko – master of sports of international class, world champion, and vice-champion of Europe in beach soccer;
• Oksana Livach – Ukrainian freestyle wrestler, medalist of the World Championship (2018), European champion (2019);
• Iryna Koliadenko who is a Ukrainian wrestler, three-time European champion, silver medalist of the World Championship, and bronze medalist of the 2020 Olympic Games;
• Kateryna Dubrovina, who is an honored master of sports in archery, a medalist of the Olympic Games;
• Alisa Dubrova – a professional table tennis player;
• Maryna Lytovchenko – Paralympic table tennis champion;
• Larisa Soloviova is a 9-time powerlifting world champion.

This is my game: a revolution in supporting women in sport

Every athlete displays strength, endurance, and determination, exemplifying the significance of equality in sports. The campaign enhances the well-being of girls both physically and mentally, offering a chance to participate in various sports and promoting the growth of coaches.

The main idea is that people of any age, gender, or ability can participate in sports. Stereotypes and strict beliefs have been eradicated, and the campaign ambassadors serve as an excellent example. Furthermore, sports contribute to physical and mental well-being.

"I'm sure this campaign will inspire many girls who aspire to play sports but have been hesitant because of social stereotypes or resisted by adults who don't understand their sport. We want to show that there is no such thing as 'masculine' or 'feminine' "in sports – there is only aspiration, perseverance, and strength of spirit," Kateryna Dubrovina, honored master of sports in archery, silver medalist of the Olympic Games, said.

Support of NOC of Ukraine

The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine became the project's leading sports and informational partner.

The President of the NOC of Ukraine, Vadym Hutzait, noted:

"Women really are capable of anything, especially in sports! So let's keep this program going, get more girls involved in professional sports, and we'll have a healthy and strong sporting nation in the future."

For reference:

In Ukraine, female surgeons created a project to support female surgeons and fight against discrimination.

At the current rate of progress, it will take 134 years, or five generations, to achieve gender equality worldwide.