Exhibition Highlights Women's Experiences in Football Culture

The exhibition "Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans," created by Professor Stacey Pope and David Wright, showcases the experiences of female football fans in the north-east of England since the 1950s. Located at the Beacon of Light next to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, the exhibition features interviews with 22 fans from Newcastle and Sunderland, archival footage, and various artistic elements that illustrate the longstanding presence and passion of women in football culture.

The Guardian

The exhibition emerges against a backdrop of ongoing gender inequality in football fandom. A recent study by Pope revealed that 75% of male football fans exhibit either overt or covert misogynistic attitudes towards women in the sport. This reflects a broader societal issue, as highlighted by the organization Kick It Out, which reported a doubling of sexist incidents at matches this season compared to the previous one. Pope emphasizes that while there has been a feminization of sports fandom over the last three decades, it has not led to gender equality, with women often facing backlash when they assert their place in football.

The Guardian

The exhibition captures the dual nature of women's experiences in football: celebration and scrutiny. Pope notes that women's and men's fan careers often diverge due to societal expectations, such as women being expected to prioritize family responsibilities over attending matches. Additionally, stadium designs have historically catered to male fans, further marginalizing women. Many interviewees shared personal stories of losing relationships or facing judgment for their passion for football, underscoring the challenges they encounter in a predominantly male environment.

The Guardian

Professor Stacey Pope stated, “For far too long, there’s been this assumption that ‘it’s football, get on with it’. Well, football is sexist, what do you expect?” This sentiment encapsulates the exhibition's aim to amplify women's voices while addressing the systemic issues they face. Pope hopes that the exhibition resonates with all fans, regardless of gender, by highlighting the universal significance of football in their lives while also revealing the negative aspects of gender inequality.

The Guardian

While the exhibition celebrates women's contributions to football, it also critiques the entrenched misogyny within the sport. Critics argue that despite the exhibition's efforts, the prevailing culture of sexism remains a significant barrier to achieving true equality in football fandom. The exhibition aims to confront these issues head-on, advocating for solutions and greater inclusivity.

The Guardian

"Away From Home" runs until the end of the football season at the Beacon of Light and is also available online. The exhibition serves as both a historical account and a call to action, encouraging ongoing dialogue about the role of women in football and the need for systemic change within the sport.

The Guardian

• “You can be the thickest bloke and you still think you know more about football than a woman,” — Jo, Newcastle Fan

The Guardian

• “But that hasn’t automatically led to gender equality.” — Professor Stacey Pope

The Guardian

• “What we expect, and hope, is that there will be a lot there that is familiar to people.” — Professor Stacey Pope

The Guardian