Women are fighting for more than just uniform changes
Introduction
I wish I had the confidence to successfully wear white jeans. I think they are so cute and stylish, but I am also extremely clumsy–dirt and food stains seem to follow me like a shadow. Besides my being extremely accident-prone, my hesitation to wear white jeans is my period. I have not tested this theory; however, I can confidently say that many menstruating people have been plagued with this anxiety. Our periods are natural and no matter how much we try to utilize every tool available to predict and control them and the flow, they somehow still manage to be unpredictable.
If I, someone who is not a professional or amateur athlete, have concerns about period leakage, then I can only imagine the anxiety an athlete must feel when they are forced to compete in white uniforms.
Mandatory uniforms and push for change
In 2023, women athletes, from different sports, began to speak up about their uniform requirements. It has been consistently demonstrated that those who designed women’s sports uniforms did so without women truly in mind–and there is no better example of this than uniforms that consist of white bottoms. When protesters showed up at Wimbledon during the finals demanding change, those in charge took notice. Now, players are allowed to wear “solid, mid/dark-colored undershorts, provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.” After over 145 years, Wimbledon is breaking its all-white dress code. I understand the legacy and history and the accoutre of this tournament; however, it does not negate the fact that these rules were not designed with women in mind.
Tennis is not the only sport that saw changes to their uniforms, the Orlando Pride–NWSL team–also demanded that their uniform bottoms not be white. They, too, expressed deep concerns about period leakage while competing. And with the start of their 2023 season, the Pride took to the pitch in a new kit that included black bottoms.
Change of uniforms, change the conversation
Heading into Paris for the 2024 Olympics, women athletes are now leaning into breaking the taboo surrounding the topic of periods. These Olympics are slated to be the first games in history to reach full gender parity among athletes selected and with more visibility to women’s sports throughout the world, now is the time to have the difficult conversations about such a gendered topic as periods.
Athletes from multiple countries– Estelle Nze Minko, France; Lydia Ko, New Zealand; Assmaa Niang, Morocco; and Ashley Cain-Gribble, United States–have begun to open up about their periods. From experiencing heavy bleeding to debilitating abdominal cramps to extreme exhaustion, and much more, these brave women are illustrating that they are not just elite athletes but human as well. By utilizing their platform, they are highlighting the gendered struggle that women athletes uniquely face and demanding that it no longer be ignored. Through personal testimonies, they are requiring people to investigate why women have been left out of the conversation(s) when: designing uniforms; scheduling events; allocating resources; and writing rules and regulations.
Conclusion
The intersection of women athletes and menstrual cycles is a topic long overdue for discussion and action. As more athletes courageously share their experiences and advocate for change, the landscape of sports is being transformed into a more inclusive and supportive space for all. By embracing this dialogue, we can ensure that women athletes receive the support and resources they need to excel at the highest levels, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to come.
