An equal world is an enabled world

As a female athlete in a traditionally male-dominant sport, this weekend is one I cherish.

Today marks 2020 International Women’s Day, where we celebrate women from all walks of life who have challenged the ‘norm’, stepped outside their comfort zone and are doing what they have never done before.

I have now been playing AFLW for four seasons.

I’m amazed at the number of girls and women now playing Aussie Rules at all levels.

In my home state of Queensland, female participation in football grew by 18.85% in 2018 after only one season of AFLW.

I would love to sit here and say how easy it is being an AFLW player, but sadly that’s just not the case.

In 2020, I am one of the lucky ones. I no longer have to work full-time to make ends meet during the season.

This however comes with its own challenges.

I don’t quite have enough income to sustain the lifestyle that I lead for the other six months of the year, so weekly I try to pick up a few days of casual relief teaching (CRT).

I would be far better off financially if I continued to work full-time, but it doesn’t bother me too much. Well, aside from when I need to pay my rent.

It’s these choices I continue to (happily) make to sustain my career as a part-time athlete.

I think it would shock people to know how many of my fellow AFLW athletes are currently supported by the government with services such as ‘Youth Allowance’ because they don't make enough money to support themselves with their current football wage.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I speak on behalf of my fellow athletes when I say we are extremely grateful for the position we find ourselves in.

There are so many female athletes that have come before us that have not been fortunate enough to play for any financial gain.

These people had to give up the sport that bought them so much joy because living out their passion was not sustainable.

I am not speaking just about AFLW here, I am speaking of all sports that females are still establishing themselves in.

Another challenge is around the constant scrutiny our league faces.

As a socially savvy footballer, I’m prone to reading the comments after a game. It makes you wonder if sharing the game content on these platforms is even worthwhile.

It feels like people (*cough* keyboard warriors *cough*) comment on anything and everything except for the football itself.

I understand completely that negative comments are going to come – everyone is entitled to their opinion.

But I can’t wait for the day when these comments have no comparison to men’s football – a game that started at this level over 150 years ago.

Every day as humans we have a choice: we can continue with negativity or we can empower one another.

We ALL play a part in this – women and men, together.

“A behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept.”

We must call out people who are no longer living ideals that accept women.

We must educate others on the impact their words can have on others.

We must respect each other and celebrate our differences.

“He doesn’t understand” is no longer a genuine excuse in my mind.

Times have changed and they will continue to change.

We now live in a society where both young boys and girls alike think it is normal for women and men to play the highest level possible in AFL, cricket, soccer, Rugby League…

The list goes on.

The impact we are having is noticeable and heart-warming when young boys at school ask, “why isn’t your league just called AFL not AFLW, we all know you’re girls.”

It’s these comments which make me realise this is all so worth it.

We’re not just female role models, we’re just role models. Maybe even favourite players to some of these kids.

It is walking down the street seeing a young boy wearing Sam Kerr Matilda’s jersey, an Ellyse Perry Australian Cricket jersey or an AFLW St Kilda jersey.

Equality is not just a women’s issue.

The race is on for gender equal boardrooms, governments, workplaces, media representation and more... so let's make it happen.

Let's be #EachforEqual.