#AccelerateAction: Celebrating Women in Sports on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar, it is a global movement recognizing the achievements of women while calling attention to the work that still needs to be done. It is a day to celebrate progress, honour trailblazers, and commit to driving change toward gender equity. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, reminds us equality cannot wait. Progress must be intentional, and efforts to create fair opportunities for women, especially in traditionally male-dominated spaces like sports, must be relentless.
At Ottawa Women's Football, we don’t just celebrate women once a year, we push for presence every single day. Our mission is to carve out space for female athletes in flag football, ensuring they have access to the best fields, the strongest platforms, and the respect they deserve. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, "Accelerate Action", is a powerful call to continue advocating, expanding, and creating opportunities for women in the game.
But this journey is not one we can take alone. We need the support of our community to continue establishing our ground, growing our programs, and ensuring that women’s football is recognized and respected. Our name, Ottawa Women’s Football, means more than just a space for women, it represents the creation of an equitable environment for all who understand the value of balance in the world. We leave no gender behind, but we recognize that historically, women have not been given equal space in football and sports. Creating an equitable environment means intentionally carving out that space, ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities, recognition, and resources. Ottawa Women’s Football is not just about women, it’s about fostering balance, inclusion, and a future where everyone understands the value of equity in sport.
The Power of Women in Sports Leadership
Sports have long been a battleground for gender equality. The women who have led the charge, coaches, athletes, administrators, and advocates have reshaped the narrative and created pathways for future generations. From pioneers who fought for access to play to today’s leaders breaking barriers at the professional and international levels, women’s sports leadership has never been more visible or impactful.
Yet, despite these strides, barriers remain. Women continue to fight for equal funding, media representation, coaching opportunities, and recognition for their achievements. Accelerating action means ensuring that progress does not stall, it means actively supporting, mentoring, and advocating for the next generation of women in sports.
According to International Women's Day,
“At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.”
This statistic underscores why urgent and intentional action is needed to close the gap.
Why We Started Ottawa Women's Football
Ottawa Women's Football was founded with the belief everyone deserves a place on the field. We saw a gap, limited opportunities for women and girls to play competitive flag football, a lack of visibility for female athletes, and a need for a supportive, inclusive environment. Our mission was clear: to build a league where women and girls could compete, grow, and lead in the sport they love.
From day one, we refused to take anything less than the best for our athletes. That means advocating for prime field time, resources, and visibility, and pushing to ensure voices are heard and respected in the sports community. We fight for our community to be recognized, prioritized, and given the same opportunities.
Accelerating Action in Our Community
We are proud to be part of a growing movement that challenges outdated norms and redefines what women in football can achieve. But we also know progress requires action. Here’s how we continue to push forward:
Creating More Opportunities: Expanding our leagues and programs so that women and girls at all levels have a place to play.
Highlighting Role Models: Showcasing the achievements of female athletes and coaches to inspire future generations.
Advocating for Inclusion: Engaging in conversations, partnerships, and initiatives that promote women in sports leadership.
Demanding the Best: Prioritizing access to top facilities, resources, and platforms to elevate the female game.
Encouraging the Next Generation: Hosting camps, clinics, and mentorship programs to develop the skills and confidence of young athletes.
Join the Movement
International Women’s Day is not just about celebration, it’s about action. We encourage everyone to support women in sports, whether by joining a league, mentoring a young athlete, advocating for equal opportunities, or simply showing up to cheer on female competitors. Every step forward is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future in sport.
Let’s commit to accelerating action. Let’s ensure that every girl who dreams of playing, coaching, or leading in sports has the opportunity to do so. And let’s continue to build a football community where women thrive, on and off the field. Ottawa Women’s Football is more than just a name. It’s a statement of empowerment, a commitment to change, and a movement toward a more inclusive sports culture. Everyone is welcome here. It starts with supporting, understanding, and taking action to create equitable spaces for all.
#AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #WomenInSports #OttawaWomensFootball
Coach Steph
