Hollie Davidson, First Female Referee in Men’s Rugby Test Match, Historic Breakthrough

As a woman first, a mother and a wife, and as a writer too, I cheer for Hollie Davidson who made rugby union history as the first woman to referee world champions South Africa in a Test match.

But why is Hollie Davidson as first female referee in men’s rugby a historical breakthrough?

Hollie Davidson’s achievement as the first female referee at a Springbok test match is undeniably historic, but it is also bittersweet. In the twenty-first century, it is both exhilarating and disheartening that such a milestone remains so rare. It reflects the slow rate of change in a field where advancement should be more routine by now. While Hollie’s accomplishment is a significant step forward, it also highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality, demonstrating that the fight for recognition and respect for women in sports is far from over.

Women in the workforce: a short historical overview

Victorian era struggles and legal setbacks for women

During the Victorian era, working-class women were essential in supporting their families, often in low-wage roles like nail-making and domestic service. In contrast, upper and middle-class women rarely worked and were expected to leave their jobs upon marriage. Legal setbacks further compounded their challenges: in 1913, women were barred from taking Law Society exams, with the Court of Appeal ruling that women did not qualify as “persons” under the Solicitors Act. It wasn’t until the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919 that women could finally become solicitors.

World Wars and economic recessions, a shift in women’s employment

First World War marked a significant shift as women took on roles traditionally held by men, though they faced lower pay and were often dismissed or paid less after the war ended. The subsequent economic recession during the interwar years forced many women back into domestic roles, reversing some wartime gains. World War II saw another surge in female employment as women were conscripted into essential jobs.

However, post-war, the closure of state-funded nurseries pushed many women back into domestic work, reflecting a recurring pattern of temporary progress followed by regression. The postwar welfare state created job opportunities in healthcare but reinforced traditional gender roles by classifying married women as dependents and limiting their access to benefits.

Further modern advances, ongoing challenges

Since the 1970s, women’s participation in the workforce has surged, thanks to shifts in life cycles and the availability of birth control. However, ethnic minority women still face higher unemployment rates and are often overqualified for their positions, with Black women notably underrepresented among top earners.

Efforts to address these issues include initiatives like including women on recruitment shortlists, though such actions must be proportionate and evidence-based. Despite the existence of anti-harassment laws, sexual harassment remains a persistent issue in the workplace, as highlighted by the #MeToo movement, which has shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by many women, including those in the LGBT community.

Challenges and opportunities for women in the labor market today

Women face substantial barriers in the labor market globally, with their participation rates around 30% lower than men’s. Often relegated to vulnerable, informal jobs, women miss out on secure, independent positions more frequently held by men. Bridging this gender gap is crucial, not just for individual well-being, but for boosting global GDP, especially in the most unequal regions.

Not surprisingly, an ILO-Gallup (International Labour Organization) survey discovered that 70% of women worldwide prefer paid employment. However, socioeconomic constraints and societal expectations frequently limit this choice. In developed economies, women with partners are less likely to work because their partners provide financial support, reinforcing traditional gender roles. In contrast, women in developing countries often work out of necessity. Here social norms still hinder progress, with many believing it’s unacceptable for women to work outside the home.

The pay gap exists in almost every industry, with women earning less than men in 94% of occupations, including those where women are the majority. This persistent disparity emphasizes systemic wage inequality and the critical need for policy reforms to address occupational segregation and its impact on gender and racial wage gaps.

Sexual harassment in the workplace frequently forces women to accept lower-paying jobs, highlighting the economic costs of such harassment. Occupational segregation, which divides jobs based on gender and race, exacerbates the wage gap. Societal biases and policies favor white men, forcing women, particularly women of color, into lower-paying jobs.

“Hollow Davidson has acknowledged that it is not easy being in a male-dominated environment.
Speaking to the ‘Stronger Than You Think‘ podcast earlier this year:
“I’ve received a lot of abuse and hatred and was spat on. At that point, you do question if it’s worth it…how long can I do this for?
“It worries my family; it affects my mom.”
Holly added that her dream was to officiate at a Men’s World Cup.

The South African

Women remain underrepresented in male-dominated fields such as sports.

Great women who made history in the world of sport

Women first competed in the Olympics in 1900, and by 2012, all Olympic events featured female athletes. Professional women’s sports gained traction in the latter half of the twentieth century, resulting in significant progress.

Despite progress, women continue to face unequal media coverage, funding gaps, and lower pay than men. There is also a significant lack of female representation in sporting organizations. Girls show equal interest in sports as boys, but drop out at a higher rate by age 14. Although participation in sports not only boosts confidence but also improves skills in young girls.

Yet women have broken down barriers in male-dominated sports, inspiring future generations.

In 1948, Alice Coachman became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in high jump, despite facing segregation and discrimination.

Marta Vieira da Silva, a Brazilian football legend, has won the FIFA Best Female Player award six times, highlighting her impressive career.

In 2001 Jutta Kleinschmidt became the first woman to win a stage of the Dakar Rally as well as the car category. Her career began as a BMW mechanic before advancing to professional racing.

Stéphanie Frappart, France, became the first woman to referee a major men’s European match and a French Ligue 1 match in 2019, and the first woman to officiate a UEFA Champions League match in 2020.

Irish referee Joy Neville was the first female to officiate at a men’s Rugby World Cup in 2023.

Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita became the first woman in history to referee at the men’s Asian Football Cup early in 2024.

And now Hollie Davidson became the first female referee in men’s rugby test match. Well done, Hollie!

Yet despite their remarkable achievements, women in sports continue to fight for equality and recognition.

I believe Hollie Davidson’s achievement is truly monumental for a variety of reasons. As a mother, wife, and writer, I find her story especially inspiring.

Her presence as the first female referee at a Springbok test match is a sign of progress in a traditionally male-dominated field. I also believe the rugby players from both teams should be commended for respecting Hollie Davidson’s role on the field.

“Respect is the word that comes to mind for us with all referees going into matches.”

Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick

As a referee, her job was to maintain fairness and improve the sporting experience, not to be judged based on her gender. If they couldn’t respect her as a referee because she was a woman, it would reflect negatively on them as sons, husbands, and fathers.

Her achievement exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and respect in sports, and it resonates deeply with the broader fight for gender equality in all areas of life.