Sexism, Misogyny, and Stalking: The Unseen Struggles of Women in Sports and Beyond

In the fight for gender equality, women in sports are confronted with unique challenges—especially the intersection of misogyny, harassment, and unwanted attention. The cases of Emma Raducanu, a rising star in tennis, and the recent Spanish football scandal, serve as stark reminders of how women are often treated as objects rather than athletes. Beyond the physical demands of their sports, female athletes must navigate a world where their talents are overshadowed by the constant barrage of sexism, objectification, and, as Emma Raducanu herself has experienced, stalking and sexual harassment.

Emma Raducanu: Stalked and Harassed, Yet Resilient

Emma Raducanu’s story is one of remarkable achievement, but it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame in a world that often sees women as less than human. Since her triumph at the US Open in 2021, Raducanu has been subjected to unwarranted attention, not only from the media but from stalkers who crossed the line between admiration and harassment.

Reports of Raducanu being stalked both in Dubai and the UK shed light on a serious issue: the harassment and violation of women’s boundaries, especially those in the public eye. These incidents are far from isolated. Many female athletes, from tennis players to footballers, have been targeted by individuals who think their fame grants them the right to invade their privacy. Stalking is a form of sexual harassment, and it is important to recognize that these women should not have to endure such behavior. The fact that such harassment often goes unchallenged only perpetuates the idea that women’s bodies, even in the context of sport, are there for public consumption.

For Raducanu, as well as countless other women, these violations speak to a broader issue: misogyny is not just about verbal insults or physical violence; it is about the constant, often invisible, attempts to control women’s lives. This is a form of violence—psychological and emotional—that disrupts not only their work but their personal well-being. The stalking of Emma Raducanu is a symptom of a culture that fails to respect women’s autonomy and personal space.

The Spanish Football Case: Consent and Power Dynamics

The troubling actions of former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the Women’s World Cup celebrations, further exemplify the misogyny that women face in sports. This incident, while deeply disturbing, also sheds light on the power dynamics that often go unchallenged. Rubiales’ actions were not just a breach of personal boundaries; they were a manifestation of how women are often seen as objects for men to act upon. Even when women voice their discomfort, as Hermoso did, they are often met with skepticism, victim-blaming, or dismissal.

This case highlights the need for a cultural shift in how women’s bodies are viewed, both in sports and society at large. Women should have the agency to determine who touches them, when, and how. The ongoing backlash and legal proceedings following the Rubiales incident are a positive step, but they also show how deeply ingrained sexism is, not just in the field, but in the systems that govern the sport.

The Unseen Struggles: The Tragic Story of a Soldier’s Suicide

The devastating reality of sexual harassment and violence extends beyond the sports arena and touches the lives of women in all professions. One such tragic case is that of a soldier who, after enduring relentless sexual harassment, took her own life. As a gunner in the military, she was subjected to sexual abuse and bullying, which escalated over time. Despite reporting the abuse, she was ignored, and the harassment continued to the point where she felt there was no way out.

Her tragic death is a stark reminder that sexual harassment isn’t just a fleeting issue—it can have life-altering consequences. This soldier’s story, like that of so many others, highlights the systemic failure to protect women in male-dominated spaces. When institutions fail to respond to the cries for help from those facing harassment, the impact can be devastating. Women shouldn’t have to endure sexual abuse at any cost, yet this soldier’s experience is all too common, particularly in male-dominated professions like the military.

Her story, like the stories of many women lost to violence and harassment, serves as a call to action. It is a plea for accountability, for stronger systems of support, and for a world where women are not just seen as victims of circumstances, but as individuals deserving of respect and protection. Her death, like so many others, underscores the importance of addressing harassment in every arena—from sports to the workplace—and ensuring that no woman is ever left to face such a battle alone.

Harassment and Violence Against Women: The Need for Change

The stalking and harassment faced by Raducanu, the sexual harassment by Rubiales, and the suicide of the soldier are part of a much larger issue that transcends the boundaries of sports. Women are routinely subjected to unwanted attention, both in public spaces and online. From unsolicited messages and sexual comments to physical stalking, the problem is widespread and far-reaching. It’s not just about individual incidents; it’s about a cultural acceptance of women being treated as less than equal, as bodies to be commented on, touched, and controlled.

This type of harassment is not limited to famous athletes. Women everywhere experience varying forms of sexual harassment and violence, whether it’s in the workplace, on the streets, or online. It is crucial to recognize that all forms of harassment—whether verbal, physical, or psychological—are violence. They are part of a continuum of misogyny that seeks to undermine women’s agency and autonomy.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing harassment, stalking, and violence against women requires collective action at every level—society, institutions, and individuals. Here’s how we can move forward:

1.    Comprehensive Legal Frameworks: Governments must enact and enforce laws that protect women from harassment, stalking, and violence. These laws must be robust, addressing not just physical assaults but also emotional and psychological abuse. Laws surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace and on the street must be clear, and consequences for perpetrators must be swift and just.

2.    Education and Awareness: We must start educating the next generation about consent, respect, and gender equality from an early age. Teaching boys and girls about boundaries, empathy, and respect for women’s autonomy is key to dismantling the cycle of violence. Sports institutions should also provide mandatory training on gender equality, emphasizing that no one—no matter their status—should feel entitled to a woman’s body.

3.    Support for Victims: Women who experience harassment or stalking should be offered a clear, supportive path to seek help. This includes accessible reporting systems, counseling, and legal assistance. Institutions must also create safe spaces for women to speak out without fear of retaliation or damaging their careers.

4.    Accountability for Institutions: Sports organizations, media outlets, and sponsors must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating a culture that tolerates sexism. They must ensure that women’s sports are given the same respect and resources as men’s, and that issues of harassment are treated with the seriousness they deserve.

5.    Collective Responsibility: The responsibility to challenge misogyny, harassment, and violence should not fall solely on the women affected. Men must also be allies in these efforts, speaking out against inappropriate behaviour, calling out sexism when they see it, and ensuring women are respected in every space.

The struggles faced by Emma Raducanu, Jenni Hermoso, the soldier, and countless other women highlight the systemic issues of sexism, misogyny, and violence against women in sports and beyond. It’s not enough to simply condemn these behaviours; we must work together to create environments where women can thrive, both on and off the field. Women deserve respect, protection, and the freedom to exist without the constant threat of violence or harassment. Until society addresses these issues head-on, we will continue to fail women—especially in spaces like sports, where their talent should be the focus, not their gender or their vulnerability.

This blog is dedicated to every woman who has lost her life due to sexual harassment, violence, or the inability of society to protect them. Let us stand together, push for change, and ensure that no woman has to endure these struggles in silence.