February 21 – The betting business is not generally regarded as being the most sensitive or caring sector of the sports business but Swedish state gaming company Svenska Spel has teamed up with the Swedish FA to tackle one of the biggest taboos in the women’s game.
A survey conducted by the two partners (Svenska Spel is the Swedish FA’s main sponsor) found almost 50% of respondents, consisting of players and coaches, believe that menstruation is “difficult to talk about”.
They have launched a new initiative, All Days, aimed at breaking the taboo about menstruation and encourage more girls to stay in football during puberty.
Swedish player Caroline Seger, who has become an ambassador for the project, said: “Menstruation should never be an obstacle to playing football. I know for myself how I stood there on the field, uncomfortable about wearing white shorts. Or how you skipped a workout just because you had your period.
“There is a huge need to increase knowledge and awareness of women’s health and how we can best adapt training and other match preparation activities. That’s why I think that All days is a super important initiative and something I really look forward to being a part of.”
“There are many important initiatives underway within the sports movement around Sweden,” said Kajsa Nylander, Head of Sustainability at Svenska Spel. “But there is still work to be done when it comes to a level playing field. Educating about the menstrual cycle and breaking taboos around menstruation contributes to our goal that everyone should have the same opportunities to practise their sport.
“We are also convinced that such obvious things as all training bags containing menstrual protection as well as plasters and that girls do not have to train in white shorts, can make a big difference for many.”
“We want football to be accessible to everyone,” said Per Widén, Head of Education and Development at the Swedish FA.
“Association football is the biggest in Sweden and therefore we must take our responsibility to increase gender equality in Swedish football and ensure that more young girls continue in football.”
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