Words matter. Media coverage matters.
As I am sure you have heard already, I came across a radio segment that left me seething. Marty Sheargold, a public figure with a wide platform, made disparaging remarks about the Matildas—one of Australia’s most successful sporting teams—comparing them to ‘Year 10 girls.’ And then, as if that wasn’t enough, he followed it up with: “She believes in what… Men, I hope?”
How are we still talking about women this way?
Not just any women—elite athletes. Women at the top of their game. Women who have trained their entire lives, represented their country, and shattered records, only to have their achievements diminished with a flippant, dismissive remark. But this comment goes deeper than just belittling female athletes—it reflects a culture that equates being a ‘Year 10 girl’ with being weak, incapable, and inferior.
What are we telling our teenage girls? That it’s okay to belittle women? That no matter how hard they train, how many records they break, or how high they rise, they will always be a punchline?
If this kind of ‘comedy’ is acceptable, then we are telling them that success for women will always come with an asterisk—*you will never be good enough.
At The Flourish Journey, we work with thousands of teenage girls every year and witness firsthand the impact of this dismissive culture. It tells them that their effort, talent, and commitment are less valued, fuelling self-doubt and reinforcing a mindset that contributes to alarming statistics. Research shows that nearly 50% of teenage girls in Australia quit sport by the age of 15, often due to systemic issues such as not feeling welcome, judgment over body image, lack of representation, and increased academic pressure.
But this isn’t just about sport. The 2024 Liptember Foundation's Women's Mental Health Research Report reveals that 48% of girls aged 14-19 face body image issues, 47% experience depression, and 41% suffer from anxiety. The way we talk about women—whether in sport, leadership, or any arena—has real consequences. When girls hear their achievements belittled, when their efforts are reduced to a joke, it chips away at their confidence and sense of belonging in our society. This pervasive culture is driving girls away from opportunities, making them question their worth and place in society.
If we don’t challenge this now, we risk losing an entire generation of female leaders, athletes, and change-makers.
So what can we do?
Change the Narrative: Public figures and media outlets must do better. Criticism is fair—but respect must be a baseline.
Call It Out: When someone undermines women, we cannot afford to stay silent. It’s time to challenge dismissive comments whenever and wherever they arise.
Amplify Female Athletes: Let’s celebrate the achievements of the Matildas, the Opals, the AFLW players, and every girl stepping onto a field, court, or track.
Challenge Harmful Stereotypes: Teenage girls are not weak. They are determined, talented, and deserve to be recognised for their strength.
Words matter. Media coverage matters. The way we talk about females matters. The way we talk about female athletes matter.
When someone with a national platform belittles women’s sport, they are not just making an offhand comment—they are reinforcing a culture that actively pushes girls out of sport, out of leadership, and out of spaces where their voices deserve to be heard. Let’s not allow outdated attitudes to hold the next generation back.
To every girl out there questioning her place—your talent, drive, and dreams matter. We will continue to fight to make sure you are seen, heard, and celebrated.