Gender Inequality
Brazilian football has long been regarded as the spiritual home of the beautiful game, with its rich history, passionate fan culture, and world-renowned stars. However, this deep-rooted adoration for the sport has often been skewed towards the men’s game, leaving the women’s side of the sport grappling with a persistent gender inequality.
For decades, women were banned from playing football in Brazil, with a 1941 decree prohibiting the sport for “unsuitable” female physiology. This outdated mindset has cast a long shadow over the development of the women’s game, and even as the ban was eventually lifted in 1979, the stigma and lack of support persisted. Rosana, a pioneering Brazilian footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s, reflects on the challenges she faced: “We had to fight for everything – respect, visibility, even the right to play. It was an uphill battle, but we never gave up.”
Lack of Funding and Infrastructure
The gender disparity in Brazilian football is perhaps most evident in the stark contrast between the resources and infrastructure available to the men’s and women’s game. While the men’s national team and top-flight clubs enjoy lavish funding, state-of-the-art facilities, and widespread media coverage, the women’s counterparts often struggle with meagre budgets, substandard training grounds, and limited exposure.
Formiga, a legendary midfielder who has represented Brazil in a record seven World Cups, eloquently summarizes the challenge: “The lack of investment in women’s football is staggering. We train on pitches that are barely suitable, and the salaries are a fraction of what the men earn. It’s disheartening, but we keep pushing forward, because we love this game.”
This systemic underinvestment has hindered the growth and development of the women’s game, making it challenging for clubs to attract and retain top talent, while also limiting the opportunities for grassroots participation and youth development.
Cultural Perceptions
Alongside the structural barriers, the women’s game in Brazil also grapples with deeply ingrained cultural perceptions that continue to undermine its progress. Football has long been viewed as a masculine domain, and the notion of women playing the sport has often been met with skepticism, ridicule, and even outright hostility.
“There’s still a mentality that football is not for women,” says Rosana. “We face constant criticism and doubts about our abilities, simply because of our gender. It’s infuriating, but it also fuels our determination to prove them wrong.”
This cultural bias extends beyond the playing field, as women seeking coaching or administrative roles in the sport also face significant hurdles. The lack of female representation in positions of power and decision-making further perpetuates the gender imbalance, making it challenging to enact meaningful change.
Efforts Towards Equality
Despite the formidable challenges, there are glimmers of hope and progress in the quest for gender equality in Brazilian football. Grassroots initiatives, professional league development, and increasing media representation are all contributing to a gradual shift in the landscape.
Grassroots Initiatives
At the community level, organizations like Donas do Jogo (Owners of the Game) are working to create safe, inclusive spaces for women and girls to play football. Through coaching clinics, youth tournaments, and advocacy campaigns, these initiatives are challenging societal norms and empowering a new generation of female footballers.
“Our goal is to show that football is for everyone,” says Donas do Jogo co-founder, Mariana Cabral. “We want to inspire young girls to pursue their passion for the sport, and to see themselves as equal participants in this beautiful game.”
Professional League Development
In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to elevate the status of the women’s game at the professional level. The establishment of the Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino (Brazilian Women’s Football Championship) in 2013 has provided a national platform for the sport, attracting increased attention and investment from clubs, sponsors, and media outlets.
“The creation of the Brasileirão Feminino was a game-changer,” explains Formiga. “It gave us the opportunity to showcase our talent on a national stage and inspired more girls to pursue football as a career.”
Media Representation
Alongside the on-field developments, the growing visibility of women’s football in the Brazilian media landscape has been a crucial factor in shifting public perceptions. Outlets like ESPN Brasil and TV Globo have increased their coverage of the women’s game, broadcasting key matches and highlighting the stories of the sport’s trailblazers.
“The media attention has been transformative,” says Rosana. “Suddenly, young girls can turn on the TV and see women playing the sport they love, shattering stereotypes and inspiring them to follow in our footsteps.”
The Brazilian Women’s National Team: A Beacon of Hope
Amidst the challenges facing women’s football in Brazil, the national team has long been a beacon of hope and a source of immense pride. The Seleção Feminina (Brazilian Women’s National Team) has been a dominant force in international competitions, winning the Copa América Feminina (South American Women’s Championship) a record seven times and reaching the quarterfinals or better in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inception.
Marta, often referred to as the “Pele of Women’s Football,” has been the face of the national team for over two decades, captivating audiences with her unparalleled skill and passion for the game. Alongside her, players like Formiga, Cristiane, and Debinha have etched their names in the annals of Brazilian football history, inspiring a new generation of female talent.
The success of the national team has not only brought international recognition but has also played a crucial role in raising the profile of the women’s game within Brazil. “When the national team performs well on the global stage, it sparks a newfound interest and pride in our sport,” says Rosana. “It shows young girls that they too can achieve greatness through football, if given the proper support and opportunities.”
The Path Forward: Embracing Equality and Opportunity
As Brazil looks towards the future, the path forward for women’s football must be paved with a steadfast commitment to equality, increased investment, and a cultural shift that embraces the sport as a rightful part of the country’s rich footballing heritage.
Policy and Regulatory Changes
At the institutional level, there is a pressing need for policy and regulatory changes that prioritize gender parity in football. This includes ensuring equal funding and resources for the women’s game, mandating representation of women in decision-making roles, and enforcing strict non-discrimination policies across all levels of the sport.
“The change must come from the top,” emphasizes Formiga. “We need bold leadership and a genuine commitment to creating a level playing field, where women’s football is valued and supported with the same vigor as the men’s game.”
Increasing Participation
Grassroots initiatives and youth development programs must be scaled up to expand the pool of female footballers and cultivate the next generation of stars. By providing access, mentorship, and support, these efforts can inspire more girls to pursue their passion for the sport, ultimately strengthening the foundations of the women’s game.
Building Public Awareness
Amplifying the stories and achievements of Brazil’s female footballers is crucial in shifting public perceptions and fostering a culture of appreciation and respect. Increased media coverage, high-profile events, and collaborative efforts between clubs, federations, and fan communities can all contribute to this essential task.
“The more people see women playing football, the more they will realize that we are just as skilled, determined, and passionate as our male counterparts,” says Rosana. “It’s about breaking down the barriers, one match, one story, and one fan at a time.”
As Brazil prepares to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the nation has a unique opportunity to showcase its commitment to women’s football and inspire a global transformation. By embracing equality, investment, and a deep appreciation for the women’s game, Brazil can reclaim its position as a footballing powerhouse, celebrating the talents and triumphs of its female footballers on the world stage.
The journey towards gender parity in Brazilian football may be long and arduous, but the unwavering determination and resilience of the women who have fought for their rightful place in the sport will continue to pave the way for a future where the beautiful game truly belongs to everyone.
