When budding superstar and former first overall pick in the WNBA draft Sabrina Ionescu posted this photo highlighting the differences in equipment in the women’s NCAA bubble and the men’s, it was immediately and rightfully met with significant outrage.
More injustices have been pointed out since then, including the disparity between meal quality and gear provided. Many notable athletes and public figures have also chimed in to voice their disappointment in the NCAA and tournament organizers, and now, it looks like the first issue that was brought up has been rectified.
The NCAA shared the upgrades that were made to the women’s workout area, and though it’s definitely a little late, the improvement highlights how important it is to call out injustices and demand change.
Now that’s what we’re talking about! Though we know this doesn’t fix everything, and that the women should have been offered the same amenities as men right from the get go, we’re glad to see this improvement.
In addition to that, we’re glad to see that these women know their worth, and brought attention to the issue. The women of March Madness have made it clear that they will no longer stand for inferior treatment, and in doing that, they’ve hopefully improved things for everyone who comes after them.
We’ve heard the words ‘systemic change’ a lot over the course of the last year; so while the immediate action taken here was good, we hope it results in lasting change. The stand taken by everyone who was outraged over the disparity here will contribute to lasting improvement for women in sport, who deserve every opportunity and resource offered to their male counterparts.
