Threats to Girlhood
Sports are important for more than just physical fitness, 82% of female executives played sports growing up, most of whom report that their experience in sports
In 2007, only 61% of girls were involved in outdoor activities, compared to 77% in 2006.154
contributes to their success in business.155 Increased physical activity is tied to increased self-esteem and increased satisfaction with weight, regardless of actual weight.156
Threats to Girlhood
Female student athletes in Division 1 sports graduate college at higher rates than male athletes and non-athlete females.159 Only 11.3% of the full-time college sports information directors in 2008 were females.160 In Forbes 2007 list of the “100 most powerful celebrities” the most powerful female athlete (Maria Sharapova) came in 51st place, while the most powerful male athlete (Tiger Woods) came in 2nd place.161 In the 2002 World Cup, each member of the US men’s national soccer team received $200,000 just for reaching the quarterfinals. In the 2003 Women’s World Cup, the women’s national soccer team took third place and each team member only received $25,000.162
83% of highly active girls report that being physically active helps them feel good about themselves.157 Being physically active and participating in team sports is tied to reduced sexual risk-taking behaviors among teen girls.158 155 In: Women’s Sports Foundation. “Women’s Sports & Fitness Facts & Statistics.” March 26, 2009. p.19. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/~/media/Files/PDFs%20 and%20other%20files%20by%20Topic/Issues/General/W/WSF%20FACTS%20 March%202009.pdf 156 The Girl Scout Research Institute. “The New Normal? What Girls Say About Healthy Living,” (2006) http://www.girlscouts.org/research/publications/original/gs_ exec_summary.pdf 157 The Girl Scout Research Institute. “The New Normal? What Girls Say About Healthy Living,” (2006) http://www.girlscouts.org/research/publications/original/gs_ exec_summary.pdf 158 Kulig, K., Brener, N. & McManus, T. Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2003. In: Girl Scouts, “Sports and Physical Activity,” http://www.girlscouts.org/research/facts_ findings/sports_and_physical_activity.asp 41
159 In: Women’s Sports Foundation. “Women’s Sports & Fitness Facts & Statistics.” March 26, 2009. P.2. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/~/media/Files/PDFs%20 and%20other%20files%20by%20Topic/Issues/General/W/WSF%20FACTS%20 March%202009.pdf 160 In: Women’s Sports Foundation. “Women’s Sports & Fitness Facts & Statistics.” March 26, 2009. P.12. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/~/media/Files/PDFs%20 and%20other%20files%20by%20Topic/Issues/General/W/WSF%20FACTS%20 March%202009.pdf 161 In: Women’s Sports Foundation. “Women’s Sports & Fitness Facts & Statistics.” March 26, 2009. P.16. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/~/media/Files/PDFs%20 and%20other%20files%20by%20Topic/Issues/General/W/WSF%20FACTS%20 March%202009.pdf 162 In: Women’s Sports Foundation. “Women’s Sports & Fitness Facts & Statistics.” March 26, 2009. P.16. http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/~/media/Files/PDFs%20 and%20other%20files%20by%20Topic/Issues/General/W/WSF%20FACTS%20 March%202009.pdf 42