In a week marked by International Women's Day, which brings together not only a celebration of the achievements made by women throughout history, but also a series of challenges that we as a society still have to face - and where sport is no exception - the Thinking Football Summit sought to hear from women in leading positions in sport, to learn about their stories, reflections and challenges.

Beatriz Alvarez, president of Liga F, told Thinking Football Summit about her history in the sports industry, stating that in 30 years, women’s football have gone from being a "minority and invisible" to being seen as inspiring and respected:

“I met in contact with women's football almost 30 years ago, and it has gone from being a very minority and invisible sport to being respected, followed and inspiring.  It is a very masculinised sport, with little presence of women in the management and governing bodies, and I have experienced unpleasant macho attitudes. However, I choose people who add up, women and men who throughout history have tried to lead the way, break down barriers and get the practice of football becomes more and more natural for girls and boys, regardless of gender.”

Regarding the example of Liga F, the first and only fully professional women's league, Beatriz Alvarez calls on the league's organization to pave the way for the professionalization of women's sport:

“In Spain, women's sport needs resources, visibility and professionalization. In the specific case of Liga F, we are the first and only professional league and this gives us the responsibility to open the way for other women’s sports. We have had to live through many obstacles and barriers to get here, but we have managed to make a social claim and to be heard, even if it was necessary to have a professional league and to win a world championship. From now, we hope that there will be a reflection by the institutions and we can achieve a scenario of peace in which we all work hand in hand. And that this serves for the rest of the leagues and sportswomen around the world.”

Beatriz Alvarez speaks categorically to girls and women who want to enter the sports industry:

“Talent, like sport, has no gender. Education is the main tool for future generations. I don't think it's just inculcating these values in women, I think we all need to believe firmly in equality, diversity and inclusion. I would tell them to step up, to be brave, to believe in themselves and to forget the burdens, absurd self-demands, lack of self-esteem or anything else that might hold them back”