And when will women win on and off the courts?

This past month, everyday life, with social networks and news, has been plagued by a single passion: Football Just yesterday we experienced the final of the Copa América and the European Championship! Therefore, before turning the page, I would like to talk to you about Football and women Why? The reason is simple, we continue to lose on and off the courts.

OFF THE COURTS

The investigation In the Shadow of Football (2022) from the Javeriana University revealed that domestic violence in Colombia increases significantly when national soccer games are played. This is a trend that should not surprise us, because several studies around the world they support it, especially during international tournaments.

In our country, the number of complaints of domestic violence increases between 15% and 20% over the period of 6 hours after the end of a national team match. Now, If you lose the selection, complaints increase between 21% and 36%; while If it draws or wins, increased by 16% and 10% compared to the average number of cases of domestic violence against women in the years of study (2011-2019). Of course, there are other important factors: Who is the rival? What time is the game? Where is the game being played? But there's no denying that, even without those specifics, the numbers are staggering.

Of course, no one here is asking for an end to football, but it is unheard of to think how, despite these figures, little or nothing is being done (nor has been done in the last month) to prevent violence against women after the games. What about promoting moderation in alcohol consumption? Or about campaigns to raise awareness about gender roles? The thing is that, even in a state of emergency due to femicide, gender-based violence care and response services are at risk!

INSIDE THE COURTS

A report from The League Against Silence, #8M: Women's football in Colombia faces another year of silence and inequality, recounts how, today, the absence of labor guarantees persists for women to work as professional soccer players in our country. Not only is there a general fear to denounce what is happening, because of the treatment that the Colombian National Team gave to those who led previous protests, but also an attempt to hide what is happening at home, with the Women's Football League.

What a joy that our players are the only ones who represent Colombia in a team sport for the Olympics! But, what a sadness, that job insecurity is the norm on the courts of our country, that there is no real commitment to the formation of women's teams in some clubs, and that there is a significant absence of investment for the professional development of our players.

So when can we women win on and off the courts?

With that said, don't forget to support our players at the Paris Olympics, or miss the final of the Women's Football League this August 10 and 18 (yes, more than a month after the home run, although that's another story, isn't it?).