2022 is a special year for us. Not only are we turning “2” in 2022 (yes, being a toddler is as much fun as it looks!), but we’re also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Although its language focuses much more broadly on banning discrimination on the basis of sex for any program that receives federal funding, Title IX is most often associated with improving access to sports for girls and women.
We created Outside Angle to be an agent of equity, and we are vocal champions for gender parity. We’re also competitive, and every member of our team loves to play. (Gamal loves skiing; Tara is a runner; Rebecca is a Tough Mudder champ; Meredith loves to dance; Sam will play pick-up basketball with anyone.) I personally love soccer, and I love to compete in all kinds of athletic endeavors. Although we’ve all developed these personal passions, this year’s anniversary has presented a moment for us to pause and reflect on how much we’re really walking the equity walk when it comes to gender.
We realized that there are so many more opportunities to participate in and support awareness of women in sports in particular. It turns out, many of us didn’t even know where to start. So, we’re taking a brief detour from our typical focus on leadership and the future of organizational health and success to share some of the things we’re doing to get aligned so that you, too, can become a more active advocate for gender equity.
#1: We’re sponsoring our team to participate in the Women’s Sports Foundation’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day Virtual 5K & 50 Mile Challenge.
On February 2nd, the Women’s Sports Foundation, which was founded by pro tennis player Billie Jean King, will celebrate it’s 36th annual observation of Girls & Women in Sports Day. Throughout the month, people everywhere can show their support by getting out and running in their communities to support girls and women in sports. To learn more, visit the registration site.
#2: We’re helping our team stay up to date on major developments in women’s sports so they can be informed advocates.
Check out the Just Women’s Sports newsletter, or sign up for the weekly advocacy update from Sarah Axelson at the Women’s Sports Foundation for news. Track the development of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s legal case against U.S. Soccer for pay parity and its healing from recent efforts to expel abusive coaching staff and administration. Follow the bittersweet ascendancy of Becky Harmon to the head coach role for the Las Vegas Aces after a groundbreaking role as an assistant coach in the NBA. Follow a few female golfers or ballers on your ESPN app.
#3: We’re encouraging everyone to support female athletes by watching games, following teams, and listening to a growing menu of athlete-led podcasts.
Last fall, the Washington D.C. Spirit won the championship for the National Women’s Soccer League in an exciting overtime final game against the Chicago Red Stars while the Chicago Sky bested the Phoenix Mercury in a four-game championship series. The finals were every bit as exciting as any game I’ve ever seen. Check out more details about the female athletes about to compete in Beijing via the Flame Bearers podcast, hear the stories of top female athletes with host Kelly O’Hara on the Just Women’s Sports podcast or get a broader take on sports and life from Off the Looking Glass with Kate Fagan and Jessica Smetana. Even better, tune in to watch the upcoming winter olympics. And don’t forget to watch the She Believes Cup at the end of February and the NCAA women’s basketball March Madness tournament this year (ping us if you want to join our bracket competition!)
Last and probably most, we’re encouraging everyone to use their extra time and philanthropic dollars to support organizations like Girls on the Run that offer opportunities for girls to experience sports in ways that develop confidence and an enduring belief in themselves and their ability to be successful as athletes and as people. We hope you’ll join this conversation and share more ideas for ways to support gender equity in 2022.