Friday 8 March marks International Women’s Day (IWD), and the SWFC Women’s Supporters Group are celebrating the role of fans and supporters’ groups who work to make football a more inclusive place.
What is International Women’s Day?
IWD is observed annually around the world to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and to raise awareness around a range of issues, such as reproductive rights and violence against women.
In football, IWD is an opportunity to recognise the role of women in football - as fans, club staff and players. It’s also a chance for the football community to come together to demand an end to sexism in the sport, which sadly still persists in some areas.
Recent surveys have found that 66% of women who work in football experience discrimination at work, and that 91.9% of people have seen sexist abuse directed towards women in football online.
What is #KeepingSCORE?
As part of their own IWD celebrations, the SWFC Women’s Supporters Group (SWFCWSG) have collaborated with Fans for Diversity and HerGameToo to launch the #KeepingSCORE campaign, which celebrates the role that fans and supporters groups play in creating Safe Communities of Respect and Equality in the game.
Wednesday have several dedicated supporters groups to create these communities for those who need them.
As part of their commitment to #KeepingSCORE, the group have been celebrating Women at Wednesday through interviews with some of the women who help make Wednesday special, which can be seen in full in our official matchday programme tonight.
They have also launched an Away Day Network to help fans meet up and travel to away games in the company of other members and conducted a survey about supporter experiences, to help understand supporter experiences of sexism and how we can tackle the issue in the game.
The group will be hosting a charity bucket collection before the Leeds game, raising funds for local charity ‘Mums In Need’.
Look out for the players warming up in shirts wearing the #KeepingSCORE message. Members of the group will also be in the Fanzone from 6:30pm - find them to receive up a free WSG badge, or pop into the Megastore to pick one up!
Who are the SWFC Women’s Supporters Group?
The SWFCWSG launched in 2023 with the aim of making sure women and girls feel safe and valued at Wednesday. They hold meet-ups and events, publish a regular newsletter, and have a lively WhatsApp group for members. In 2023 they raised over £30,000 for several charities. They currently have more than 350 active members.
How can I join?
Signing up is quick and free - the group is open to everyone who shares the vision of a safe and inclusive Wednesday.
Scan the QR Code below or click HERE to join.
