UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has berated nations and clubs around the world for underpaying women in sports.

Mr Türk called on member states and sports clubs to address the vast gender and stark pay gap that still exists in women’s sport.

“The playing field is still far from level,” Mr Türk said. “We need to build up a world of sports in which women and girls, in all their diversity, are equally valuable, visible, and paid.”

While professional male footballers earn, on average, $1.8 million annually at the top clubs, female athletes at top clubs have an average income of $24,000.

Similarly, the average woman athlete, not at top clubs, earns even less than that, totaling approximately $10,900 per year.

“Without a stable income, women are forced to take other jobs, leaving them with less time and energy to focus on training and improving,” Mr Türk said.

He stressed that the wage gap becomes even more unsustainable due to a lack of sufficient workplace protection.

For instance, he said, there is minimal, if any, maternity leave.

There are also a few places to turn to for redress when harassment occurs.

Women are also underrepresented in the leadership of professional clubs and federations. Of the 31 federations, women chaired only three.

Despite such sobering statistics, some federations have begun to institute changes, including enshrining maternity and adoption leave and establishing pay equity agreements.

Mr Türk called on Member States to institute comprehensive anti-discrimination systems that promote pay equality and ensure that violence and harassment in sports are brought to justice.

He also stated that the media can and should be a “force for good” in portraying women’s success stories in sports, ensuring that their coverage is accurate and ethical.

“Sports can drive social change, and inspire and promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for all. Today, let’s champion a sporting world where women and girls can thrive,” stated Mr Türk.

(NAN)