Girl Up

Show your Support

Show your support for gender equality in sports by signing our 2021 Summer Olympics petition.

Sign the petition

Join Us Virtually!

Join Girl Up, WWE, and Women’s Sports Foundation for virtual #SportsForAPurpose panel discussions bringing together sports leaders, athletes, and young changemakers!

1. 

   SFAP Virtual Panel #1 – April 9 at 2:30 PM EST

   Join Sarah Axelson, Stephanie McMahon, and Swin Cash for a panel on leadership & pay equity!

   Missed it? Watch it here
2. 

   SFAP Virtual Panel #2 – April 13 at 2:30 PM EST

   Join Charlotte Flair, Olivia Wayne, & Mary Kate Callahan for a panel on media coverage in sports!

   Missed it? Watch it here
3. 

   SFAP Virtual Panel #3 – April 15 at 2:30 PM EST

   Join Alexa Bliss, Chris Mosier, & Jessamyn Stanley for a panel on physical & mental health!

   Missed it? Watch it here

INTRODUCTION

Sports For A Purpose

Let’s get ready for equality! Girl Up is tackling gender inequality in sports to inspire to inspire and empower girls to break down gender barriers in sports in their own communities and around the world. Participation in sports builds leadership skills both on and off the field. Learn more about the gender inequities girls face in sports and how you can take action to level the playing field for girls everywhere.

1. 64%

   of girls will have quit sports by the age of 16-17

2. 80%

   of girls feel they do not belong in sports

3. 5%

   of U.S. sports media coverage features women

why girls?

Developing Leadership Skills

From youth sports teams and professional athletes, to the back-end business of sports, girls and women face discrimination, a lack of access and limited opportunities in sports. Gender inequities are everywhere—limited funding, little media coverage of female athletes and women’s sports, and the pervasive body shaming of female athletes, to name just a few.

Sports and team activities are a proven way to develop girls’ leadership skills and confidence. Until we level the playing field for girls in sports, we won’t fully realize gender equality.

Here Are The Facts

• Girls are less likely than boys to participate in sports. About 40% of teen girls in the US do not participate in sports, compared with 25% of boys (Women’s Sports Foundation).
• By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate boys drop out of sports (Play Like a Girl).
• Reflecting on their own careers, 61% of the women executives believe that their personal involvement in sport contributed positively to their career success and advancement (Ernst & Young, 2014).
  

A 2019 survey found that 77% of Girl Up Club members believe there are gender barriers that prevent girls from participating in sports. In addition, 80% of Girl Up Club members have experienced (or know someone who experienced) low attendance at girls’ sports events and body shaming of athletes. It’s time to put gender inequalities in the spotlight and create change.