Zaneta Mascarenhas: Australian women need more than an icon for a brighter future

Who would have thought that in 2023 almost 4 million people would tune in to watch a women’s soccer game and that a women’s soccer player would become a national hero? Sam Kerr is a driving force for change that is demanding more opportunities for women in sports, increased coverage, and greater recognition.

The Matildas have taken the country by storm in this World Cup and continue to exceed expectations. They have sold more jerseys and filled more seats than ever before, yet their pay still lags behind their male counterparts. The nation held their breath as they heard of Sam Kerr’s injury in game one. On Thursday night, an almost sell-out crowd in Brisbane shared with them the pain of defeat to Nigeria.