"Women are still too intimidated to speak out": We look at sexism in sport across the West Midlands

Female athletes tell us is has a big impact on their mental health

Women's Champions League Football Venue
Author: Richard ThomasPublished 7th Apr 2021

Leaders in women's sport are telling us female athletes are only now finding their voice and the confidence to report sexism.

Following years of women feeling too intimidated to speak out against prejudice and discrimination.

One of the sport with a prevailing issue is golf. We spoke with Mandy Ambert, the Lady Editor of Midlands Golf Magazine. Mandy said: "I remember once at a golf club I was waiting to tee off and this guy said to me isn't Wednesday washing day?

"Some women would find that hard, some women would not be able to cope with that and particularly someone new. That sort of everyday sexism is stopping many women learning to play the sport."

Of the 170 golf clubs across the West Midlands, Mandy tells us more than 30 still have separate entrances for female players.

"It's about those women trying to find their voice in an environment which is so predominately male. You're not anti-men it's just how do we represent ourselves?"

Sandra Mesrine, is from Sutton Coldfield and makes documentaries on the prejudice facing women's sport.

Her newest documentary 'Breaking with Tradition' looks at sexism in the golf world.

She also tells us daily sexism stops many women picking up golf - and with only 15% of UK club members being female, it puts us far behind many European countries.

In Spain, 25% of all golfers are female and France double our percentage with 25%

Sandra points towards the lack of women golf pros and coaches at clubs, the limited accessibility to courses (many traditional golf clubs only allow women to play in the week) and the stubborn attitudes of older members.

Sandra said: "I remember when I was a beginner and I heard a man making fun of me. They usually criticise about the way they (women) are dressed, or the way they behave or they say 'you're too loud' - things that actually drive women away.

"All of these little things make a golf a very difficult experience for women, but I noticed there is a lot of barriers, that people don't feel they have the right to talk about it or they feel intimidated."

But both women tell us female are now beginning to find their voice - following Birmingham City women's team calling for fairer treatment compared to the men's squad.

Players have sent a letter to the club's board highlighting issues with some players earning less than minimum wage, no overnight stay for away fixtures, the lack of access to the training ground gym and delayed treatment for injuries.

Birmingham City Football Club are yet to comment.

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