National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in February, shines a spotlight on the importance of gender equality in sports. Since its inception, this day has provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of female athletes and emphasize the need for equal opportunities and access in the world of athletics. Established by Congress in 1987, NGWSD initially honored the late Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, a powerful advocate for women’s rights in sports. Over time, this day has evolved into a broad movement encouraging athletic participation among girls and women across the United States.
In recent years, women’s sports have gained impressive traction, drawing substantial financial investments and rising media attention. From sell-out events in women’s soccer to heightened sponsorship deals, female athletes are steadily building larger fan bases and stronger support networks. This momentum not only highlights the growing popularity of women’s sports but also reinforces the need to support future generations of girls in athletic pursuits.
Why Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day?
NGWSD celebrates the strength, resilience, and skill of female athletes of all ages and skill levels. This day aims to break down barriers and create new opportunities for girls and women in sports. It promotes physical fitness, self-confidence, and teamwork, all while working to reduce the gender gap in athletic spaces. Encouraging young girls and women to participate in sports fosters lifelong benefits—from building social skills and confidence to promoting health and well-being.
Quick Facts about National Girls and Women in Sports Day
National Girls and Women in Sports Day brings attention to the milestones and efforts that have improved opportunities for female athletes. From its legislative beginnings to its ties with Title IX, this day highlights key points in the journey toward equal access in sports. Here are some quick facts about NGWSD:
- Rooted in Legislation: NGWSD was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1987, recognizing the need for increased opportunities for girls and women in sports.
- Honoring Flo Hyman: The day originally commemorated Flo Hyman, an Olympic volleyball player who advocated for gender equality in sports. Her legacy continues to inspire female athletes around the world.
- Title IX Influence: NGWSD draws attention to Title IX, the 1972 legislation that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs, including sports. Title IX has been a major force in increasing female athletic participation across the United States.
- Expanding Influence: NGWSD is now celebrated in schools, sports clubs, and organizations nationwide, emphasizing the importance of athletic inclusivity for all.
When is National Girls and Women in Sports Day Celebrated?
Mark your calendar for this empowering day! National Girls and Women in Sports Day always falls on the first Wednesday in February. Here’s when NGWSD will be observed over the coming years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 5, Wednesday |
| 2026 | February 4, Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 3, Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 2, Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 7, Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 6, Wednesday |
Ways to Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day
There are many ways to celebrate NGWSD, each focused on encouraging participation and recognizing female athletes:
- Support Female Athletes: Watch games, share highlights, or follow your favorite female athletes on social media to show your support. Every follow, share, or like helps amplify their impact.
- Spread Awareness: Use #NGWSD on social media to highlight the achievements of girls and women in sports and share stories that inspire others.
- Promote Local Programs: Many local sports programs work to include girls in sports. Support these programs or get involved to make sports accessible to all young athletes.
- Advocate for Equal Opportunities: Support initiatives that work toward fair treatment and representation for female athletes, including equality in funding, access to facilities, and coaching.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
