PARIS (AP) — In a powerful stand against sexism, every player in the top two divisions of men’s soccer in France is wearing “WO=MAN” on the back of their jerseys this weekend, replacing their names. The initiative, launched by the French football league (LFP), is centered around International Women’s Day and aims to promote gender equality both on and off the field.
The campaign commenced on Friday with Toulouse’s 1-1 draw against Monaco and is set to continue across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 fixtures throughout the weekend. As part of the campaign, LED panels around the pitches will display the “WO=MAN” motto, and official match balls also bear the message. Broadcasters DAZN and beIN SPORTS have pledged to raise awareness during halftime segments.
The LFP has collaborated with three organizations — The Foundation for Inclusive Sport, Her Game Too, and Colossus with Feet of Clay — to make stadiums safer for women. As part of this effort, a system for reporting sexual and gender-based violence has been implemented, alongside a support and protection procedure for victims.
Ambassadors for Change
Anoush Morel, director of Her Game Too in France, has been instrumental in the initiative, coordinating with clubs to place female ambassadors in stadiums on matchdays. These ambassadors, recognizable by their visible pins, distribute flyers and promote messages of inclusivity, equality, and diversity.
“We create a supportive atmosphere for all fans and raise awareness of the campaign through fan engagement, social media, and community outreach,” Morel told The Associated Press. “We also make sure that safe zones are ready in stadiums.”
Morel’s involvement is personal as well as professional. In April of last year, she and other female Paris Saint-Germain supporters experienced “abusive” body searches at Barcelona’s stadium during a Champions League match.
Recalling the incident, Morel emphasized the need to ensure that football matches are a “safe and welcoming environment for all fans, especially women.”
Government Endorsement
The initiative has received support from French sports minister Marie Barsacq, who attended Friday’s game and held up a jersey with the “WO=MAN” slogan, surrounded by young female fans.
“It’s a great project to encourage female spectators to come,” Barsacq told DAZN. “We need women and men to go to stadiums together.”
Lise Ducrocq, the LFP’s communications and corporate brand manager, who first conceived the “WO=MAN” motto, expressed pride in the initiative’s reception. “It’s very inspiring to be part of such a big project led by a woman,” Morel added. “All the clubs were very excited.”
Jerseys worn by the players will be sold starting Monday, with profits directed to the three partner organizations. Additionally, match balls signed by players will be auctioned on Ligue 1’s digital platforms to further support the cause.
Grassroots Efforts to Empower Women
Meanwhile, Ligue 2 side Red Star expanded the campaign by wearing jerseys with the message “TRUST’Her” during their match against Amiens. In a related effort, French supermarket chain Intermarché and the French Football Federation are promoting amateur women’s soccer through their “Sensationnelles” program, a blend of the words “Sensational” and “Elles” (the feminine pronoun for ‘they’).
The program features soccer presenter Laure Boulleau and former international lineswoman Manuela Nicolosi, who made history alongside referee Stéphanie Frappart as part of an all-female officiating team for a Ligue 1 match in 2023.
Through these combined efforts, French football is sending a resounding message that gender equality in the sport is not just an aspiration but a priority. As the LFP stated, “The message resonates as a strong statement — highlighting the importance of gender equality, not only on the field, but also in the stands.”
