Over 80% of women working in football have experienced discrimination, new survey finds

A survey conducted by Women In Football (WIF) has revealed that 82 per cent of women working in football have experienced discrimination in the workplace.

The figure is up from the reported 66 per cent in 2020, demonstrating a significant increase.

62 per cent of respondents have faced sexist ‘banter’ in the workplace, which remains unchanged since 2016.

Only 23 per cent of those who experienced gender-based discrimination at work felt comfortable reporting it, up from 12 per cent in 2020.

Of those who reported discrimination, many said nothing happened as a result; some were even pressured to stop pursuing the issues, or suffered unpleasant consequences.

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The report also concluded that a glass ceiling inhibits the progress of women to higher positions: only 27 per cent felt encouraged to ‘forge pathways’

Additionally, 18 per cent of women in football have experienced sexual harassment, which has increased from 15 per cent in 2016.

More than 75 per cent of those surveyed believe conscious or unconscious bias is the greatest barrier to women in the industry.

Other reported figures point to improvements in the industry

On the other hand, other statistics suggest some improvement.

47 per cent of women in the industry have experienced sexism in the workplace, down from 65 per cent in 2020.

31 per cent of those who faced sexism reported it, which is more than double the figure from 2020.

89 per cent were optimistic about the prospects for women in the industry, up 27 per cent from 2016. 

In 2020, only 45 per cent believed that football was an environment in which women could excel, now up to 67 per cent.

Yvonne Harrison, CEO of WIF, said: “There’s been progress – slower progress than most of us would like, but there are some real nuggets of optimism that fill me with absolute joy.

“While the figures show that more people are reporting discrimination, it’s still not enough.”

She concluded by asserting that, “Despite the backdrop of all these issues, there is an optimism that women can excel in this industry.”

The Women’s World Cup is currently in group stages, with the Lionesses having scored their second victory today against Denmark.