The summer of 2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment for women's sports, with major events like the Rugby World Cup and the World Athletics Championships taking center stage. These events are not just about competition; they are about driving significant change and increasing participation among women and girls globally.

Rugby World Cup: A Game-Changer for Women's Rugby

England is set to host the Rugby World Cup in August, and the Red Roses are aiming to replicate the success of their football counterparts from 2022. Sally Horrox, director of women's rugby at World Rugby, believes this event will elevate women's rugby from a niche sport to mainstream. "It will shift from being a niche sport to mainstream, that will make a tremendous difference for girls the world over," she said.

The Impact of the Lionesses

The Lionesses' victory in the 2022 European Championship on home soil has already had a profound impact on girls' football participation in England. Kelly Simmons, former director of women's football at the Football Association, noted the remarkable growth: "When I first started at the FA, our first count was 80 girls and women's teams across the whole country, now over three million girls and women play the sport."

Breaking Barriers in Athletics

Star athletes like Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson will also be in action at the World Athletics Championships in September. British Olympic Association chair Dame Katherine Grainger emphasized the unique opportunity these events present: "All these moments are unique opportunities to really make change. Whether it's in law, or people's lives, or in attitudes, the doing something next is important."

Addressing Challenges in Women's Sports

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Olympic swimmer Cassie Patten shared her experience with a male coach's lack of understanding during her period. "I said 'you have no idea'," she recalled. The need for more female coaches and better research on women's physiology was highlighted as crucial for further advancements.

The Role of Research and Support

Dr. Pippa Bennett, the UK Sports Institute's director of clinical governance, pointed out the lack of research in women's sports. Physiology expert Dr. Emma O'Donnell called for better quality research into menstrual cycles and their effect on performance. Additionally, Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr discussed the importance of proper sports bras and support for female athletes, noting that inadequate support can significantly impact performance.

Combating Online Abuse

Online abuse remains a significant issue for female athletes, with women 30% more likely to be subjected to it. World Rugby's Sally Horrox mentioned that the organization is actively monitoring and seeking to prosecute those behind such abuse. "You have to be free to compete without that threat," she said.

This summer's events are more than just competitions; they are a call to action for equality, better support, and increased participation in women's sports. The impact of these events will be felt for years to come, inspiring a new generation of female athletes and breaking down the barriers that have long hindered their progress.