"Our columnist Kathy Lette asserts that The Lionesses have revolutionized football, and those who dismiss their accomplishments should face a penalty."
In a powerful defense, author and commentator Kathy Lette has highlighted the ongoing challenges for gender equality, particularly in sports and beyond, in her latest piece focusing on the England women’s football team, the Lionesses.
The Lionesses, who have recently won the European Championship back to back, have not only changed the game but also broken barriers and inspired the next generation. However, their achievements have not been without criticism. Some critics have denigrated their accomplishments, reflecting entrenched prejudiced and "prehistoric" attitudes towards women’s sporting achievements.
Lette's defense emphasizes that the fight for gender equality persists due to persistent sexist attitudes and criticism in sports specifically targeting women’s achievements. She also points to the ongoing struggle for equal pay and recognition in male-dominated arenas.
The author connects these issues in sports to broader societal challenges. 100 years after suffragette Emily Pankhurst's activism, equal pay remains unachieved, and women still struggle against systemic barriers often described as the "glass ceiling," which not only limits professional advancement but also expects women to manage both the climb and the cleaning once at the top.
Lette's piece underscores that these challenges show that progress in visibility and success in sports has not yet translated into full equality on or off the field. Men who criticize the Lionesses and question equal pay demonstrate that "dinosaurs still roam the earth."
In addition to her defense of the Lionesses, Lette has recently released her 20th book, titled The Revenge Club. The book is sure to continue her legacy of thought-provoking and passionate writing.
References: [1] Lette, K. (2023). The Lionesses, the Glass Ceiling, and the Fight for Gender Equality. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/01/the-lionesses-the-glass-ceiling-and-the-fight-for-gender-equality-kathy-lette-commentary
- The Lionesses, who have claimed back-to-back European Championship titles, have inspired many, shining a light on the ongoing struggles for women's sports and gender equality at home and beyond.
- Kathy Lette's latest piece highlights that despite the Lionesses' victories in sports, challenges such as unequal pay and persistent criticism still exist, mirroring broader societal issues like the "glass ceiling."
- Lette's new book, "The Revenge Club," continues her tradition of writing bold and insightful pieces advocating for women's rights and health-and-wellness, addressing concerns in science, sports, and women's health.
- In a society struggling to leave prehistoric attitudes behind, the critics that demean the Lionesses and question equal pay reflect the presence of "dinosaurs" that obstruct progress towards true gender equality in sports and life.
