Senator Lundy today called upon all sporting organisations to take responsibility for ensuring that the promotion of women’s sport is not reliant on athlete’s uniforms being designed to showcase perceived sex appeal.
“Any decision that changes the dress code for female athletes from loose to body hugging lycra uniforms is sending the wrong message to young women who play sport, Senator Lundy said.
“Sporting associations should encourage women athletes to wear whatever uniform they feel most comfortable in, free from pressures from marketing and advertising interests.
“Last year the Australian Sports Commission released An Illusory Image: A Report on Media Coverage and Portrayal of Women’s Sport in Australia. This report highlighted the disappointing fact that most media coverage of women’s sport is based on voyeuristic potential. Considering the outstanding achievements and popularity of Australian sports women, this situation reflects very badly on sections of the media.
“The report stresses that by marketing female athletes in ‘sexy’ apparel, many sporting organisations are in effect excluding women who do not conform to a certain body shape. They are also reinforcing stereotypes that have traditionally prevented women’s sport from gaining balanced coverage with men’s sport.”
The Government has ignored this landmark report launched by Kate Lundy and the previous Sports Minister Warwick Smith in 1997. This latest incident involving the national women’s volleyball team indicates the urgent need for the Government to act on the recommendations contained in An Illusory Image: A Report on Media Coverage and Portrayal of Women’s Sport in Australia.
Contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 62300411 or 0418 488295
