[UPDATE] 'We got it wrong' - Women's Health Mag apologises for semi-naked painted models at sports awards
The Women's Health Australia "I support women in sport awards" was held this week to recognise the achievements of Australia's female athletes.
Women's Health editor Felicity Harley said the night was "all about giving recognition and telling the stories of Australian sportswomen, who don't get enough coverage for their efforts and talents."
And the #ISWIS Women's Health Sports Woman of the Year goes to @sallyp100h! #ISupportWomenInSport pic.twitter.com/fDmoJcRYQg
— Women's Health Aus (@womenshealthaus) October 13, 2014
A worthy goal indeed. Harley is right - sportswomen don't get enough coverage for their talents and efforts. The sexual objectification of female athletes is a long-standing problem in our culture which continues to have a negative impact on the health and well-being of women and girls and limits their participation in sport.
This makes the decision to hire topless women for the event - wearing only underpants and body paint -even more bizarre.
Female athletes and advocates for women in sport were quick to call out Women's Health Magazine for reinforcing the sexual objectification of women in sport:
I'm not sure WHY I'm seeing nude women at an event to promote #WomenInSport. Please explain @womenshealthaus? pic.twitter.com/15lAia4CN6
— Danielle Warby (@DanielleWarby) October 14, 2014
Danielle Warby, a board director of the Australian Womensport and Recreation Association asked Women's Health editor Felicity Harley for an explanation. Harley responded by dodging responsibility and blaming the media.
@DanielleWarby @smh @womenshealthaus It's disappointing that this has become the focus rather than the phenomenal talents of our athletes
— Felicity Harley (@felicityharley) October 14, 2014
Harley also hasn't explained why Women's Health Australia hired naked models.
Speaking to the SMH, Warby said "The sexualisation of women in sport is a massive issue,"..."These women are not athletes, they are naked and I don't know why they are there."
Here's why this is important:
Sexual objectification undermines women and girls equal participation in sport.
Focusing on an athlete’s physical attributes in an overtly sexual manner can create anxiety and embarrassment for the individual. This may be compounded by a heightened body awareness already present in many female athletes. If the athlete does not feel she ‘measures up’ to an external judgment of her physique, her self-esteem may suffer.
A potential consequence of lowered self-esteem is compromised athletic performance. The athlete becomes distracted both on and off the arena of sport, and may be tempted into unhealthy eating habits. In younger athletes, where self-confidence may be less secure, the increased focus on the body because of sexploitation can lead to a poor body image. There is a wealth of research linking poor body image with increased risk of eating disorders or disordered eating behaviours.
(source: Jan Borrie, Shaping up to the image makers, Panorama, The Canberra Times, 27 May 2000)
A Magazine titled "Women's Health" should know better than to pull a stunt like this. Our elite female athletes - and the young aspiring athletes looking to follow their example - deserve better.
Take Action! Make your voice heard - Tweet, Facebook or email
Tweet
Tweet Womens Health Magazine @womenshealthaus
Tweet Australian Government is included amoung the sponsors of the event. Contact the Minister for Health and Sport Peter Dutton. @PeterDutton_MP
Follow Danielle Warby's advice -
Want to REALLY support #WomenInSport? Follow: @TheWomensGame @sportette_au @SportingSheilas @SSW_au #ISWIS Athletes NOT nude models!
— Danielle Warby (@DanielleWarby) October 14, 2014
Contact Women's Health Magazine Australia https://www.facebook.com/womenshealthaus
Minister for Health and Sport Peter Dutton [email protected]
Women's Health Magazine: [email protected]
More reading on the sexual exploitation of women in sport
Our 2010 campaign re Bikini Track sprint
http://www.collectiveshout.org/win_racing_qld_bans_bikini_track_sprint
Cori Schumacher on Roxy and 'sex sells'
http://www.corischumacher.com/2013/07/10/who-is-losing-when-sex-is-sold-the-future/
Melinda Tankard Reist on Marion Bartoli and Leisl Jones
http://melindatankardreist.com/2013/07/the-ugly-truth-is-rules-are-different-for-girls-in-sport/
The campaign against the Lingerie Football League in Australia
http://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/lingerie_football_league
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