photo courtesy of change.org

Sex sells in women’s tennis. After all, there aren’t many professional sports out there where women wear short skirts and skimpy shirts.

Officials of the British Grand Slam tournament which ended this past weekend have openly admitted that women were chosen for Center Court matches based on how “hot” their bodies were, not how “hot” their game play was. It seems as though the sport has turned into an opportunity for men and women alike to idolize young, tall, blond, Russians based on their sex appeal rather than their ability.

That is not to say that these women aren’t good tennis players because, of course, they are. Yet the stars on the men’s side, like Federer or Nadal, claim their fame for being top-ranked players not GQ centerfolds.

However, we can’t just reprimand tennis for violating the code of equality, sexism pervades women’s sports.  Check out the policy & research work of the Women’s Sports Foundation started by Billie Jean King, a life time supporter of equality and social change.  The foundation works tirelessly to mitigate stereotypes and to level the playing field for girls and women.

Join their facebook page to keep abreast of these efforts.  Or better yet, take a moment, to sign their petition, supporting Title IX Data Reporting in High Schools.

July 7, 2009 by rachel
Tags: Billie Jean King, female sports, gender inequality, sexism, tennis, wimbledon, women's rights, Women's sports Foundation
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