In a sport undergoing seismic changes, Carrie Dunn's "Woman Up" arrives as both a celebration and a wake-up call. Following the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph, women's football has captured public imagination like never before. Yet, as Dunn masterfully illustrates, the path to true equality remains dauntingly long.
Drawing from her extensive experience as a football journalist and academic researcher, Dunn crafts a compelling narrative that goes far beyond match reports and victory celebrations. The book examines crucial issues facing women in football, from the basic need for appropriate facilities to the still-taboo topic of menstruation's impact on performance.
What sets "Woman Up" apart is its unflinching examination of the sport's ongoing challenges. While more women and girls are playing football than ever before, Dunn reveals how even elite players still struggle with inadequate medical support and face heightened risks of injuries like ACL tears. The disparity in resources between men's and women's programs remains stark, despite recent progress.
The book's strength lies in its blend of thorough research and personal accounts. Dunn weaves together statistics, historical context, and first-hand experiences from players at all levels. These stories bring home the reality that while the sport's elite tier is making strides, grassroots women's football still faces fundamental challenges.
Particularly powerful is Dunn's exploration of the pay gap. Despite landmark equal pay achievements by some national teams, she shows how most female players still struggle to make a living from the sport they love. The book makes a compelling case for why addressing these disparities isn't just about fairness—it's essential for the sport's future.
"Woman Up" is more than just a snapshot of women's football in 2023; it's a roadmap for its future. Dunn's practical recommendations and clear-eyed analysis offer concrete steps toward a more equitable sport. Her examination of period stigma in sports is particularly groundbreaking, addressing a topic that has long been taboo in athletic contexts.
The timing of this book couldn't be better. As women's football enjoys unprecedented visibility, Dunn reminds us that popularity alone doesn't equal progress. She challenges readers to look beyond match attendance figures and television ratings to consider the structural changes still needed.
For anyone interested in sports, gender equality, or social change, "Woman Up" is essential reading. Dunn's expertise shines through in every chapter, but it's her passion for the sport and its potential that makes this book truly compelling. She writes with the authority of someone who has covered three Women's World Cups for The Times and Eurosport, yet maintains the enthusiasm of the young football fan she once was in Luton.
The book's conclusion leaves readers both hopeful and restless—hopeful about how far women's football has come, but restless about how much work remains. Dunn's message is clear: celebrating progress is important, but real change requires continued advocacy, investment, and commitment to equality.
"Woman Up" stands as a crucial contribution to sports literature, offering both a celebration of women's football's achievements and a clear-eyed examination of its challenges. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of the beautiful game.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Legend Press
Published: October 26, 2023
Price: £14.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 191564349X
ISBN-13: 978-1915643490
Dimensions: 138mm x 215mm
