How Ilona Maher Has Challenged the Stereotype of Women in Sports

Ilona Maher is an American rugby sevens player who in recent years has established herself as a powerful advocate for women in sport. She rose to fame after gaining a considerable following on social media during the Paris Olympics, where she documented her journey on the popular platform, TikTok.

Maher now has more TikTok followers than any other rugby player in the world and is using her platform to challenge the stereotypes often associated with female athletes. So, let’s take a closer look at the challenges faced by women in sport and how Ilona Maher is re-defining what it means to be a female athlete.

Challenges Women Encounter in the Sporting Industry

Female athletes are confronted with a variety of challenges that can hinder their recognition, performance, and equality in sports. Here are just a handful of challenges women in sport face.

Underestimated Abilities

One of the most common stereotypes female athletes have to challenge is the belief that women are weaker and less skilled than their male counterparts. This false perception can result in women’s abilities being underestimated and contributes to the notion that women’s sporting events are less important and entertaining than men’s.

Unequal Pay

Whilst the pay gap in the sporting industry is considerably less than others, there is still progress to be made and women continue to be paid less than male athletes. Additionally, women are given less sponsorship opportunities, fewer events, and lower prize money.

Judged on Appearance, Not Performance

One of the major challenges for women is how they are judged. Instead of being deemed a successful sportsperson based on athletic performance, they’re often judged more heavily on their appearance and personality.

This pressure to conform to modern beauty standards and behave in a certain way can lead to stress and distract female athletes from focusing on their athletic goals.

Stigma

Especially in traditionally male-dominated sporting activities, there is a stigma around women participating in sports and they may be discouraged by their peers. This can limit their chances of engaging in sport.

How Ilona Maher is Paving the Way for Women in Sport

Advocating for Body Positivity

One of Maher’s most prominent contributions to women in sport is her advocacy for body positivity. As the media puts pressure on female athletes to conform to certain beauty standards, Maher has challenged what beauty and strength look like. She frequently posts videos that celebrate her strength and muscular build, which is encouraging other women to embrace their own strength instead of feeling ashamed by it.

Being Bold and Confident

Female athletes are often expected to remain quiet and humble. Maher is disputing this notion and instead embracing her bold personality, sense of humour, confidence, and authenticity, giving other women confidence to do the same.

The Future For Women in Sport

With women like Ilona Maher speaking out about their experience with sexism and stereotypes, the sporting world is being pushed in the right direction. Major events, such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup, are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve and the way society views female athletes is being re-defined. Equality in sport is achievable if this trajectory continues.