Black women in sport and misogynoir

What is Black feminism?

Black feminism focuses on the lived experiences of Black women, allowing them the opportunity to discuss and highlight the many aspects of their identity and how this relates to gender inequality. Black feminism considers how Black women are oppressed by the patriarchy, but also by capitalism and racism. They argue that Black women have been excluded from mainstream feminist movements due to race, while also being excluded from Black liberation movements due to gender. For this reason, Black feminism is essential to ensure that Black women’s voices are heard.

According to many Black feminists, the most discriminated against people in society are Black and Brown working-class women. Black feminism often takes an intersectional approach and emphasises the many different oppressions that Black women face (Brewer, 2020).

What is Misogynoir?

The term misogynoir refers to the racially specific, gender-based oppression and erasure that Black women face.

This term was coined by Black feminist Moya Bailey to address how misogynoir affects Black women in a very different way through the portrayal and stereotypes in global visual, pop culture and digital spaces. Much like Professor Kimberle Crenshaw’s intersectionality, another term that signals the multiple layers and complexity of a person’s identity, the concept needs to take racism and sexism in conversation with one another to understand the specific phenomenon of misogynoir.

Misogynoir has a significant influence on the lives and experiences of Black women in Sport. Many people are still unaware of what misogynoir is or its impact generally, so when Black women speak up, their experiences are often ignored or worse still penalised for speaking out. Misogynoir is a significant problem because of the negative impact it can have on Black women’s self-esteem and confidence, and increases their likelihood of suffering anxiety, stress and burnout.

How does misogynoir manifest?

Tone policing, racial gaslighting, white centring and defensiveness are prominent forms of misogynoir.

Tone policing

This is a tactic that is used to dismiss an idea being communicated because the person expressing it appears to be aggressive, angry, frustrated, or in an emotionally charged state.

Racial gaslighting

Racial gaslighting is denying that racism exists or arguing that Black women ‘always make it about race’ or ‘play the race card’.

White centring

This is when white communities make a situation about themselves, so they do not have to be uncomfortable or hold themselves accountable for their actions when harming, hurting or ignoring Black women.

Defensiveness

Defensiveness typically appears in the form of  directly justifying our own or another person’s behaviours; rejecting any accusations of racism without reflection.

How are Black women in sport impacted by misogynoir?

Here are some examples of how prominent Black women in sport have been impacted by misogynoir.

Angel Reese, a basketball player who played for the University of Connecticut Huskies, was penalised more harshly than her white opponent for using the same hand gesture during a game. She received a technical foul, while her White opponent received only a warning.

Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, faced backlash and criticism for her appearance, behaviour, and achievements.  She was fined $17,000 for calling out an umpire who falsely accused her of cheating during the 2018 US Open.  She also had to deal with racist comments and jokes from some media outlets and fans.

Caster Semenya, a South African middle-distance runner, was subjected to invasive testing and scrutiny by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) for having naturally high levels of testosterone. She was accused of having an unfair advantage over other female athletes and was banned from competing for 18 months.

To combat misogynoir and amplify Black women in sport, we need to challenge the stereotypes, prejudices and biases that fuel it. We need to support Black women who speak out against injustice and discrimination, celebrate their achievements and contributions to sports culture. We need to educate ourselves and others about the history and impact of misogyny on Black women’s lives. In 2023, the Black History Month theme focused on ‘Celebrating our Sisters’, creating an opportunity to learn more about prominent Black women.

Show allyship and take action against misogynoir

You can take significant steps to support Black women in sport, and everyday life, by understanding and practicing the steps below.

1. Acknowledge its existence: Recognise that misogynoir exists and is a problem that needs to be addressed with action and intent.
2. Confront it in your own life: Challenge your own biases and prejudices. Be aware of how your thoughts and actions affect women in your own life.
3. Become aware of how it manifests in the lives of people across the world: Educate yourself about the different forms of misogynoir and how it affects people in different cultures and communities.
4. Challenge it: Speak up when you see or hear misogynoir. Call out sexist jokes, Racist remarks, structures, norms, comments, and behaviours.
5. Support women: Listen to women’s voices and support their efforts to fight misogynoir. Amplify their voices and help them to be heard.
6. Advocate for change: Support organisations that work to combat misogynoir and promote equality. Advocate for policies and laws.

To all Black women

Give yourself permission to be you

One of the biggest barriers to mental wellbeing is internalised racism or sexism that makes you doubt your worth or potential. You may feel like you have to conform to certain standards or expectations that are not realistic or fair for you.

You may also feel like you have to hide or suppress your true self in order to fit in or avoid judgment. This can make you feel unhappy, insecure, and unfulfilled. You need to give yourself permission to be yourself and embrace your uniqueness. You are not defined by your race or gender; you are defined by who you are as a person.

It’s important to remember that everyone has a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world for all.

Make the sport and physical activity sector more equitable by becoming an Inclusive Sport member

Understanding and taking action against misogynoir is a huge step you can take towards supporting Black women in sport and progressing your impact on inclusion. Our Inclusive Sport experts have the lived experience, knowledge and expertise to support you to do this.

Together we can work out what your organisation needs to focus on and devise practical steps and action to make this happen. Whether it be a bespoke training programme, ongoing membership support or our in-house webinar programme, we can chat about the best solution. You can start the conversation by filling in the form below, we’d love to hear from you.