Geneva: UN human rights chief, Volker Trk, has criticized nations and sports clubs worldwide for the continued underpayment of women in sports. Trk urged member states and sports organizations to address the significant gender and pay disparities that persist in women’s sports.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Trk highlighted the ongoing imbalance in the sports industry, stating, “The playing field is still far from level.” He emphasized the need for a sports world where women and girls are equally valued, visible, and compensated. While top male footballers earn an average of 1.8 million dollars annually at premier clubs, women athletes receive an average income of only 24,000 dollars. Women athletes outside top-tier clubs earn even less, approximately 10,900 dollars per year.
Trk pointed out the challenges faced by women athletes due to unstable income, which often forces them to seek additional employment, reducing their time and energy for training and improvement. He also noted the lack of adequate workplace protections, such as minimal maternity leave and limited avenues for addressing harassment. Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within professional clubs and federations, with only three of the 31 federations chaired by women.
Despite these challenges, some federations have initiated changes, including maternity and adoption leave policies and pay equity agreements. Trk called for member states to implement comprehensive anti-discrimination systems that promote pay equality and ensure accountability for violence and harassment in sports. He also stressed the media’s potential role as a positive force in portraying women’s success stories and providing accurate and ethical coverage.
Trk concluded by asserting that sports have the power to drive social change and promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for everyone. He urged support for a sporting world where women and girls can flourish.
