Maegha Ramanathan, 17, of Dublin, California, started Girls4Sports to fight gender inequality in athletics and expand sports opportunities for girls. The organization offers free sports camps, advocacy conferences, equipment drives, and other programs.
Q: What inspired Girls4Sports?
A: I’ve always been an avid athlete. But as I started getting older, I started receiving sexist comments. We’re told to prioritize our academics over sports, because we’re less likely to succeed in sports simply because we’re girls.
Q: Has your community gotten involved in the organization?
A: Girls4Sports is completely youth-led. We have a volunteer base of more than 500 volunteers around the world across our 37 chapters. This cause resonates with people because gender inequity is something that’s been so institutionalized and deeply rooted.
Q: What’s your favorite part of working on Girls4Sports?
A: I’m always on the ground running for our events. Seeing the high fives and the squeals of joy, and seeing the girls grow is something that consistently inspires me.
Q: Do you have any advice for female athletes?
A: Think about how happy you were when you started. You’re playing your sport for yourself, not for society, not for anyone who’s talking you down.
(This interview was edited and condensed for length and clarity.)