1900-2024: the long road to gender equality
If it weren’t for activists and other bold, ambitious and talented women, we would be missing out on half of the excitement produced by sport today. Women have fought hard for a place in the world of sport, making their victory even sweeter. But inequality still exists, so the combat continues. Let’s meet these women and hear the story of how they started changing the world for better over a century ago. They started the race to 2024 – the last step towards historic Olympic gender equality.
A GROUND-BREAKING FIRST
Today, female athletes are icons and adored by millions all over the world – but just under a century ago, they would not have been allowed to compete. Over the years, they have fought for their rightful place in the spotlight. That combat can be seen in the number of women who participate in the Games, which remained low for far too long. As time went on and attitudes changed, a balance was gradually established; the Games in Paris in 2024 will host 10,500 athletes, with just as many women as men. (source)
AN EPIC JOURNEY
Women’s race to the Olympic Games has been a marathon, not a sprint. They were banned from stadiums and stands alike at the ancient Games, absent from the first Games of the modern era in 1896 and numbered just 22 at the Paris Games in 1900, where they could only participate in a handful of events. It is a story that goes back 30 centuries, starring battles, victories, heroines and vanquished foes.
THEY LED THE WAY
Powerful, influential, united, passionate, ambitious
These women were pioneers of their age. Their success accelerated progress in the world of sport and society in general, legitimising women’s right to exist, be seen, raise the bar and win. They leave behind an enduring legacy, which includes a woman’s right to victory. We owe them a debt of gratitude for what they have done, because it is as a result of their efforts that we all have an opportunity to strive for greatness.
