Everton have become the first Premier League club to support the #HerGameToo campaign against sexist abuse within and around football.
The Merseyside club have been working hard in recent seasons to grow their women’s team as part of a ‘one club’ strategy and they are now making a statement in the fight against sexist abuse and stereotyping by supporting the #HerGameToo campaign.
The announcement comes on a significant day for the women’s game in the UK, as Boxing Day marks the 101st anniversary of the Dick Kerr Ladies’ fixture at Goodison Park that attracted a crowd of more than 53,000 – the largest attendance for a women’s game in this country for more than 90 years.
In the months that followed that historic game, women’s teams were tied up by a host of new restrictions until finally, The Football Association banned women’s football in December 1921.
More than 100 years on, and with women’s football flourishing, Everton’s link-up with #HerGameToo is part of the club’s award-winning ‘All Together Now’ initiative, which recently celebrated its third anniversary and aims to shine a spotlight on some of the issues women face, either being involved in, or attending football matches.
Working with supporters and representatives from #HerGameToo, the club aims to create thought-provoking content and educational pieces championing women in football, including players, staff and fans. The campaign will also reaffirm the club’s zero tolerance policy on harassment and any form of sexual abuse as it continues to make Goodison Park and Walton Hall Park safe environments for all supporters.
Speaking following today’s announcement, Kim Healey, Director of People, Culture and Workplace Wellbeing at Everton said “We are delighted to be supporting HerGameToo.
“Everton has a rich history in the women’s game including hosting the famous Dick Kerr Ladies. Fast forward 100 years and Everton is still playing a key role in women’s football with Everton Women being the only club in the WSL to play at a purpose-built football stadium.
“As well as backing HerGameToo campaigns as part of our ‘All Together Now’ initiative, we’ll also be working with the girls and our Fans’ Forum in 2022 on a number of projects that aim to challenge and make people think about their behaviours and attitudes to women in football.”
HerGameToo was founded by 12 passionate female football fans; who are committed to growing the campaign with the aim of fostering an ethos in football in which women are welcomed and respected equally. The campaign’s many aims include creating awareness, welcoming more young girls and women to men’s football matches and to continue to campaign against sexist and online abuse. More details on the #HerGameToo campaign can be found by clicking here.
Source: Official Everton press release
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