Exploring the past, present and future of women’s football, Carrie Dunn discusses all in her latest book, “Woman Up: Pitches, Pay and Periods – the progress and potential of women’s football”.
Women’s football is experiencing remarkable growth, exemplified by sell-out crowds, surging participation rates, and a surge in global enthusiasm for the sport. At the forefront of documenting this remarkable journey is Carrie Dunn, a seasoned journalist and author, whose book “Woman Up: Pitches, Pay and Periods – the progress and potential of women’s football” stands as a testament to the progress and potential within the world of women’s football.
But before we discuss the content in Carrie Dunn’s latest book, you may be wondering…
…who is Carrie Dunn?
Carrie Dunn is a distinguished sports writer with a notable focus on women’s football. Her recent work includes the critically acclaimed book ‘Unsuitable for Females: The Rise of the Lionesses and Women’s Football in England‘, which earned a well-deserved spot on the shortlist for Football Book of the Year at the 2023 Sports Book Awards. This accomplishment follows her previous success with ‘The Pride of the Lionesses’, a long-listed nominee for Football Book of the Year at the Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2020, and ‘The Roar of the Lionesses: Women’s Football in England’ being named one of the Guardian’s best sport books of 2016.
Beyond these achievements, she has established herself as an invaluable asset to sports desks, covering the last three Women’s World Cups for reputable outlets such as The Times and Eurosport.
Woman Up: Unveiling the Untold Stories
Carrie Dunn’s “Woman Up” delves into the world of women’s football, unveiling the untold stories of triumphs, struggles, and the tireless efforts of those who have contributed to its growth. As a respected sports journalist, Dunn brings a wealth of experience and insight, offering readers a comprehensive view of the challenges and achievements that have shaped women’s football into what it is today, and what the future may hold for the sport.
“Shedding light not only on generations of struggle and often unheard of victories and success, but on the issues that women still face today” – Christy Lefteri
In “Woman Up,” author Carrie Dunn highlights the transformative journey of women’s football while shedding light on persistent gender disparities. Addressing crucial issues such as injuries, sportswear, period taboos, and diversity, Dunn offers a compelling narrative that combines practical advice with firsthand accounts from the industry.
Pitches: Breaking Ground on the Playing Field
One of the key aspects explored in “Woman Up” is the evolution of women’s football pitches, both literal and metaphorical. Dunn sheds light on the challenges female players faced in gaining recognition and access to quality playing surfaces. The book highlights the battles for equality, showcasing the resilience and determination of women who fought for the right to play on the same fields as their male counterparts.
Pay: The Ongoing Struggle for Equal Compensation
Pay disparities between male and female athletes have been a longstanding issue in sport, reflecting gender inequities that extend beyond remuneration to encompass sponsorship opportunities, media coverage, access to facilities, and overall recognition.
Despite significant strides in recent years to bridge this gap, with prominent voices advocating for equal pay and increased visibility for female athletes, challenges still persist.
In an exclusive interview with Sporting Her’s Jeff Cheshire, Carrie Dunn shared her vision for the future of the game, emphasising a focus on equity rather than mere equality.
“They’ve got different things, but they’ve all got the same access to watching the match. That’s equity. That’s how I would like to see women’s football progress, looking at this idea of equity, rather than equality. The same opportunities as male players have from grassroots upwards.” – Carrie Dunn
“Woman Up” confronts this issue head-on, examining the progress made in closing the pay gap within women’s football and the hurdles that still exist.
Periods: Challenging Taboos and Shaping Narratives
Carrie Dunn’s exploration of women’s football goes beyond the physical field, addressing societal attitudes and taboos that have historically surrounded female athletes. “Woman Up” takes a closer look at the unique challenges women face in sports, notably navigating the stigma associated with menstruation. Key challenges include athletes being on their period during matches and training, highlighting the practical challenges that female footballers encounter, from concerns about comfort and health to the visibility of light-coloured shorts in football kits.
“Woman Up” not only contributes to dismantling barriers but also strives to foster a more empathetic and supportive environment for women in football. Through the exploration of periods and sport, the book becomes a powerful advocate for recognising and addressing the challenges, both on and off the field, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding landscape within women’s football.
Progress and Potential: A Glimpse into the Future
“Woman Up” looks at the potential that lies ahead for women’s football. Dunn highlights the strides made in recent years and the positive trajectory the sport is on. By profiling key figures, initiatives, and success stories, the book inspires optimism for a future where women’s football takes its rightful place on the global stage.
“It may reflect on some of the most irritating traditions of the game – like disrespect for its female Olympians and World Cup winners and the absence of suitable kit for girls – but you still leave feeling uplifted and optimistic about the future of the sport” – Kate Mason
A Definitive Work on Women’s Football
Carrie Dunn’s “Woman Up” offers readers a comprehensive and insightful journey through the triumphs and challenges that have shaped the sport. As women’s football continues to gain momentum and recognition, Dunn’s work not only delves into the sport’s evolution but also advocates for positive change, celebrating the progress made while acknowledging the work still to be done.
“Woman Up” is not just a book for sports enthusiasts; it is a rallying cry for equality, empowerment, and the limitless potential of women in football – making “Woman Up” a must-read for those seeking insights into the past, present, and exciting prospects of women’s football.
Purchase Carrie Dunn’s latest book ‘Woman Up: Pitches, Pay, and Period’.
Click here to read out exclusive interview with Carrie Dunn.
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