Podcast: Colombian Women’s Football as an Agent for Change

I am joined by Dr Pete Watson from the University of Leeds, and Karen Ariza Carranza, journalist and founder of Tribuna Krizol, a platform to promote social change in sports and the participation of Colombian women in sports. Karen’s also an International Olympic Committee young leader.

We’re looking at the role of women’s football within Colombia as an agent for change. In this episode, we cover:

• The Rise of Women’s Football in Colombia: We look at the historical context of women’s football in Colombia, and its growing significance both nationally and internationally.
• The Development of Women’s Football in Colombia: We explore how women’s football in Colombia has developed later than the men’s game, with the first professional league only established in 2017.
• The Global Stage: We highlight the importance of international tournaments, particularly Colombia’s 2015 Women’s World Cup victory over France, in boosting visibility and media attention for the sport.
• ‘Critical Visibility Moments’: We analyse the role of ‘critical visibility moments’, where women’s football gains media traction, often when the men’s team underperforms or is absent from major competitions.
• Club Structures in Colombia: We examine how club football remains structurally weak, with a lack of investment, limited teams, and dependence on men’s clubs for survival.
• The Role of Linda Caicedo: We discuss the growing impact of key figures like Linda Caicedo, an Afro-Colombian player who overcame cancer to become a global star, now playing for Real Madrid.
• Growing Media Attention: We acknowledge that while women’s football in Colombia has gained more mainstream media coverage, it still faces systemic challenges, including gender inequality, inadequate funding, and inconsistent broadcasting.
• How Does Colombian Women’s Football Compare with its Latin American Peers?: We compare Colombia’s success in women’s football to Argentina’s struggles, positioning Colombia as the second-strongest team in South America behind Brazil.
• Activism is Making a Difference: We emphasise the role of grassroots activism, independent media, and journalists advocating for greater representation and support for the women’s game.
• What Does the Future Hold?: We conclude by considering the future of Colombian women’s football, noting its potential to rival Brazil, provided the necessary structural and financial support is secured from the federation and clubs.

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