The YWCA adds an 'M' to men's sports logos to highlight gender inequality

Campaign from Rethink questions why male leagues are always the default

Published On
Mar 28, 2022

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A new campaign from the YWCA in Canada is highlighting gender inequality in the world of sport by adding an "M" to the logo of some well-known men's sports organizations.

The campaign, via Rethink, questions why women's sports always get labeled with a "W"—think the WNBA, or the Women's PGA Golf Championship. A video airing on social media shines a light on the the implications that go with that by turning the NBA into the "MNBA" or the NHL into the 'MNHL.'" 

Athletes and influencers are posting their support for the initiative online. They include TSN (Canada's ESPN) host Jennifer Hedger, Sportsnet host Tara Slone and Christine Sinclair, the team captain of Canada’s National Women’s Soccer Team, who holds the record for top international soccer goal scorer, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Without the M, men’s sports leagues are treated as the default for all sports, automatically leaving women out of the conversation,” said Sinclair. in a statement. “It’s hard to fight for equality, when all of women’s sports are treated as an afterthought.”

To support the campaign, people can visit the campaign website and download an "M" badge for free, then share it on social media using #AddtheM and tagging @YWCACanada.

“One in three girls drop out of sports in their late teens, compared to just one in ten boys,” said Amy Juschka, director of communications and advocacy with YWCA Metro Vancouver. “Girls are losing out on all the advantages sport provides as they move into adulthood—from health and wellness, to leadership development, to the support of a team. We want to see added investment, opportunity and representation for women in sport. Add The M is a way for us to confront the gender disparity that is affecting women athletes at all levels.”