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Playing sports offers invaluable lessons for children, especially girls. Participating in sports can boost confidence and self-esteem in young girls, which translates to future careers: 94% of female C-suite executives played sports when they were younger. Out of those, 52% played at the university level.
While sports can help boost a woman’s career, women remain underrepresented in leadership in the global sports industry. The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) held a summit at Mastercard’s New York City Tech Hub to share insights on how to level the playing field both on and off the field.
“My criteria is not how many women are practicing sport,” said Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, CEO of SIGA. “That is relevant, but I want to see women having equal opportunities to sit where the decisions are made, to assume their responsibility, their leadership in equal standing.”
Insights at the summit found that girls usually quit sports beyond middle school due to a lack of confidence and mentorship. This can lead to a missed opportunity in non-athletic careers, such as sports technology.
Issues with confidence and body positivity often arise during puberty, and a lack of understanding from coaches can stifle a girl’s love for a sport. With the right approach, mentorship and encouragement, more girls can pursue sports throughout middle school and beyond, eventually serving as role models for future youth.
Mentoring and supporting young women in sports can provide a pathway to leadership in the future, on and off the field.
Read more about the summit at mastercard.com.
