From fighting for your goals to striving for success, sport is a tool of empowerment and a source of inspiration for women in Europe and beyond.
In the summer of 1910, it was decided to designate a “Women’s Day” at the International Women's Conference in Copenhagen, the same city where Badminton Europe is now based. For over a century, the 8th of March is a date for the whole world to promote women’s rights, recognise the challenges, and celebrate the achievements of women.
In our sport, girls and women get to showcase their talent across three categories, just like their male counterparts. Some of badminton’s most prominent figures are female players that inspire men and women alike.
Badminton, a source of empowerment
There is a myriad of positive things to stay about sports and there would be so many to highlight. In this important day, some of the most important women in badminton describe how the sport has empowered them. Stefani Stoeva emphasises how it has fuelled her fighting spirit.
- The sport makes me a stronger person. I have learnt that nothing comes easy and that I have to be a fighter, even when everyone is against me, Stefani Stoeva.
Rachel Choong points out the physical and mental strength that she has gained through sport, as well as the opportunities and friendships that she has gained from it.
- Sport has empowered me by showing me how strong I can be, both physically and mentally. Badminton has given me opportunities that I could never have dreamed of and given me the chance to make friends with people from all around the world, Rachel Choong said.
Fellow English player Lauren Smith also mentions the opportunities brought by the sport, and the inspiration that stems from it.
- Sport will teach you so much about yourself and bring about so many opportunities. It's one of the most exciting adventures you can go on, Lauren Smith shared.
Pushing for change
Gender Equity remains a key subject for both Badminton Europe and BWF. Through various means and programmes, it is a major goal to foster women participation in badminton to achieve gender equality, not only as players but also as coaches, tutors, and so much more.
Justine Cammal, Development and High Performance Manager at Badminton Europe, highlights the importance of continuing the work towards equality to tackle the imbalance.
- Many articles and publications clearly show that, even when given equal opportunities, the imbalance between genders remains. Our sport is no exception. We can see from our data that gender balance is almost achieved overall in our Development activities — 52% male participation and 48% female participation, Cammal explained.
- There is an obvious difference in some areas compared to others. For example, while the Shuttle Time teachers educated are women in majority, there is a lack of female representation in some groups like coaches, administrators, and technical officials, Cammal said.
Setting an example and inspiring the future generations
A balanced representation would translate into even more women joining in those areas where the lack of women presence is more noticeable, but also into setting the most encouraging environment for the young female talents that are an essential part of the future of badminton.
- Everyone needs role models to look up to, otherwise it remains difficult to get rid of the unconscious bias and stereotypes that still exist. We still need to work towards a better female representation in all areas of our sport, Cammal stated.
The existing female figures in our sport have set a magnificent example of perseverance and character. Stefani Stoeva has some encouraging words for those girls that see their present and future in badminton.
- To the younger generations, I will say that they have to enjoy playing badminton. They have to build their own characters and always fight for their dreams, no matter how hard and long the way is.
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