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In late February, theU.S.
Soccrates Images / Getty Images
womens national soccer team (USWNT) achieved a major victoryfor equality in sport.
Now, the players are taking their advocacy beyond the field to support more women in their financial goals.
Fans showed their support,chanting Equal pay!
in the standswhen the USWNT won the 2019 World Cup in France.
Despite their victory on the field, their battle in the courtroom was far from over.
Simultaneously, the players asked for a pretrial decision seeking almost $67 million in back pay and damages.
U.S. Soccer fired its lawyers and federation president Carlos Cordeiro resigned amid the fallout.
This settlement has further cemented our commitment to economic justice.
After the announcement of the settlement, theU.S.
To date, $50,000 has been disbursed and 51 women entrepreneurs have received funding through the partnership.
SELF: What does this settlement mean for soccer?
Crystal Dunn:The settlement represents the advancement of pay equality.
The USWNT has always been a beacon for change and progress.
What does this settlement mean for other women in sport in generaland for the next generation of girls too?
Sauerbrunn:The settlement helps in the fight for economic justice.
For too long women have been discouraged from speaking out to better their work environment.
My hope is that this settlement exemplifies the power that women possess especially when we come together.
How did you handle those setbacks and focus on moving forward?
Sauerbrunn:We handled the setbacks with the lawsuit the way we handle setbacks on the field.
There are moments of disappointment and frustration, but the overriding emotion is always one of conviction.
Dunn:Like many of the players, I was disappointed and frustrated.
Becky, you were one of the original five team members whofiled the federal equal pay complaint in 2016.
This has been a six-year battle for you and the rest of the U.S. womens national team.
How does it feel to finally have resolution?
Crystal, as the vice president and secretary of theU.S.
By playing it safe, you preserve the status quo.
Sam, what do you hope the new collective bargaining agreement includes for players moving forward?
Mewis:I expect to see the new [collective bargaining agreement] provide equal pay for equal work.
What comes next for U.S womens soccer?
Sauerbrunn:We never intended our fight for economic justice to only benefit the U.S. womens national team.
Our commitment to financial inclusion extends beyond the soccer pitch in our partnership with Kiva.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for length and clarity
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