‘Step up to the plate’ – O’Driscoll in call for top sportsmen to back women on field
IRELAND rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll says he has been criticised on social media for supporting women’s sport.
The retired player has called on men, especially prominent male athletes, to stand up and speak out for their female colleagues.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 20x20 ‘What’s Next for Women in Sport?’ campaign, he revealed he has already taken some flak for backing it and the growing international movement for equality in sport.
“I’ve had comments on social media like ‘oh the feminazis have got hold of you!’ when you try to promote women’s sport or talk about more visibility for them,” Mr O’Driscoll admitted.
“But the onus now is on the male population, fathers of sons and daughters, to let them know that parity and equality is something for the future.
“Justin Rose has promoted women’s golf events, Andy Murray has been a big voice for women’s tennis and I think more people can step up to the plate,” he added.
The former Leinster and Ireland centre admitted that, like most athletes, he didn’t look far outside of his own sport during his playing days.
But he says he has gained a new perspective since then, not least because he is also a father.
“It’s easy to stay quiet and motor on but if you want
something different for your daughter and future generations then you need to lend a little support yourself,” he said. “Get out of your comfort zone,” he added.
Mr O’Driscoll was among many sporting icons – including Martina Navratilova, Ada Hegerberg, Sonia O’Sullivan, Leona Maguire and Mary Peters – addressing the conclusion of the 20x20 event.
The campaign was launched in 2018 to increase participation, attendance and coverage of women’s sport by 20pc over a period of two years.
The interruption of live sport this year meant the results could only be measured on 2018-2019 but Independent.ie came out tops in the Nielsen research on online media.
20x20 founder Sarah Colgan said: “These results are encouraging for starting a shift in culture but the figures are still nowhere near where we need to go.
“Progress is happening here, and internationally, but we’re still far from where we want to go.”