France has spotlighted women in sport by mobilising national and local television and radio in an event called “Women’s Sport always”, which took place on 9 – 10 February 2019.

As part of the Olympic week in France, the annual event, which has been organised since 2017, is a joint effort of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF), the Ministry of Sport, the State Secretariat for Gender Equality and the Superior Council of Audiovisual (CSA).

The initiative wants to focus on the coverage of women’s sport by the media: from the broadcasting of women’s competitions to sensitive issues like gender equality in sport.

This year’s four main topics were:

• the development of women’s sport practice;
• the presence of women in sports governing bodies;
• the economy of women’s sport;
• the media coverage of women’s sport.

“Women’s Sport always” is part of the third edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Week “Move more”, which represents one of the major sporting events organised in France.

Many clubs have also organised competitions and open days, just a few months before the Women’s World Cup, which will be held in France from June 7 to July 7, and 2,000 days to go to Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Through the engagement of federations, clubs, the daily media coverage of major women’s sports events, our goal is that in the future we will no longer need this kind of events” CNOSF President Denis Masseglia tweeted. “Because sport will be for all and at all levels”.

Since the beginning of this initiative, women’s sport coverage has been steadily increasing in France. In 2016, up to 20% of the country’s sport coverage was female, almost three times more compared to 2012 (7%).

Media coverage of women’s sport is a powerful lever for increasing female participation in sport,” said Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu at the press conference of the event. “Attracting a different audience share is also an economic challenge for broadcasters,” added the former swimmer, who won also a silver medal at 2000 Sydney Olympics.