KAREN DOBRES
“It’s important that we hear and see sports stories from a diverse range of people, so younger women and those from under-represented groups can feel they belong and aspire to these positions.”
Meet Karen Dobres, a former director of Lewes FC, who brought a unique voice to the board, having had no prior interest in football until encountering the club’s equality initiative in 2017. Since then, she has been instrumental in the club's Equality FC campaign, regularly speaking at business and sports conferences on equality in football and its impact on driving gender equality in the wider world.
HOW KAREN GOT INVOLVED IN SPORT
“Attending my first women’s football match at 49 was a revelation. Growing up, I thought football was just for men—a belief shaped by the ban on women playing and the male-dominated coverage in newspapers and on TV.”
THE IMPACT OF LEWES FOOTBALL CLUB
“When I learnt that Lewes FC had introduced equal pay, I was curious. I’d never seen women play football and wondered if it would be dull or plagued by rowdy fans. But watching Lewes FC Women play left me gobsmacked.
The players were strong, focused, and decisive, showing incredible teamwork and leadership. The atmosphere was safe, welcoming, and inspiring. That day, I realised women’s football isn’t just a game—it’s a powerful challenge to sexism. I became a fan of Lewes FC on the spot.”
BARRIERS IN FOOTBALL AND HOW WE CAN DISMANTLE THESE
“Systemic barriers in football stem from entrenched male privilege and a lack of education around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). These barriers manifest in male-biased broadcasting deals, gender disparities in sponsorship assessments, prize money, and player welfare, as well as the underrepresentation of women on boards and in media coverage.
To dismantle these barriers, we need positive action programmes to diversify leadership, education about privilege and inclusive language, fair redistribution of prize money, gender quotas in media coverage, and stronger union rights for women players. Additionally, recognising and respecting the cultural differences between men’s and women’s games is essential for equitable commercialisation and fan engagement.”
DIVERSE MEDIA REPRESENTATION IN SPORT
“The more authentic a person is able to be, the wider the horizon becomes for the next generation of players, coaches, staff, commentators, and behind-the-scenes teams. When we are talking about football, let's remember the qualities it can help girls and women in particular to develop - resilience, teamwork, self-belief - and make sure we are all represented within it.”
HOW DIVERSITY MADE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON KAREN
“I am very interested in art, so I follow arty stories. I came across a BBC report about a statue of female bisexual pirates (who had to dress as boys to join pirate ships) being rejected by a parish council in Devon. I tweeted the sculptor to say the pirates would be welcome at The Dripping Pan in Lewes, where, as Equality FC, we understand the obstacles women face in male-dominated spaces.
The statue, called Inexorable, now stands 8 feet tall by our Chip Hut, where the two women overlook the pitch, facing the direction of the sea, surrounded by sea buckthorn planted by volunteers to make them feel welcome.
This statue is an example of representation: while encouraging a gay friend—who had been ‘traumatised’ at the thought of football—to come to a football match for the first time recently, he said, ‘Stop right there. You had me at bisexual pirates!’”
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALLIES IN SPORT
“Make allies and be an ally. Network with people who share your vibe, and support each other—you’re stronger with numbers and connections. Never apologise for being yourself; innovation thrives on diversity of thought and perspective. And above all, never make the tea if you’re the only woman in the room (trust me, I’ve learned from experience!).
A couple of fellow directors on the board—male allies—have played a pivotal role in my journey in sport by introducing Equality FC to Lewes (and, therefore, the world!). Female footballer friends with inclusive and encouraging outlooks on life have also championed my story and impacted my career. Thank you, Ed Ramsden, Charlie Dobres, Shannon Moloney, Katie Rood, and Kelly Lindsey—I’m privileged and grateful to know all of you."
KAREN’S STORY TO LEAVE BEHIND
“If you’re committed, clear about your mission, and able to deliver your story and call to action effectively, sport provides a platform to change the world. I’m proud to have led on Lewes FC’s ‘Impact on the World initiative’, making lasting changes to both the ground and the fanbase.”
