US Squash joins the world and global squash community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2021, March 8, a day celebrating the social, cultural, and political achievements of women, and a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
The theme of #IWD2021 is ‘choose to challenge’:
We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
“We are proud of squash’s legacy in promoting gender equality, and celebrate the women and men who choose to inspire, empower, and support the vision of an inclusive and equitable sport,” said Soo Venkatesan, Chair of the Board of US Squash. “Accelerating programs that broaden access and deepen the involvement of women and girls at all levels enhances the vibrancy of our great sport for every player.”
US Squash continues to advocate for and lead in gender equality in squash and elevating the achievements of women in the sport. In 2013, the U.S. Open led the charge for pay equality for the sport’s professional game, becoming the first major tournament to offer prize money parity. This commitment is enduring; the 2021 U.S. Open will offer prize money parity for the eighth consecutive edition, and for the first time will take place this fall at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center – located on the campus of Drexel University in Philadelphia.
For the first time during an International Women’s Day, three American women are ranked in the world’s top twenty players. US Squash applauds Amanda Sobhy, Olivia Blatchford Clyne and Sabrina Sobhy for establishing a new standard of excellence for American professionals, and for their leadership of the growing presence of American women in the world of professional squash. With three additional women – Olivia Fiechter, Haley Mendez, and Marina Stefanoni – ranked in the top sixty, Team USA looks stronger than ever for when Cairo hosts the next Women’s World Team Championships in 2022.
US Squash eagerly anticipates the return of Women’s Squash Week in fall of 2021. Over the past decade, Women’s Squash Week has grown into an essential movement throughout the sport globally, allowing women to share their love of the game with friends and create opportunities for new players to enjoy the game.
In the coming year, US Squash will roll out layered initiatives with the goal of bringing more women and girls to the sport and increasing the numbers of women in leadership and coaching positions around the country, supported and accelerated by programs at the Specter Center.
“At US Squash we will continue to address the challenges of reaching gender equality head-on,” said Kim Clearkin, Vice President of Programs and Events at US Squash. “Each expansion of opportunity for women and girls in squash marks progress in our mission of providing access and opportunity for all players to enjoy meaningful lifelong engagement in the sport.”
Share your support by using #IWD2021 and #ChoosetoChallenge on social media.
