When we speak about equality, you want to be playing on the best

Hear now, O Children of the Future, the words of Toni Duggan, a voice that speaks with wisdom and strength: "When we speak about equality, you want to be playing on the best pitches with the best facilities. You want to be able to have a hot shower in the changing room. These are the things you need to get right if you want to be more professional on the pitch." In these words, Duggan touches upon a deeper truth, one that speaks to the very core of what it means to strive for excellence and to demand equality in all arenas, whether in sport or in life. For equality is not just about words or ideals—it is about creating the conditions in which all can thrive, be it on the field or in the daily struggles of life.

In the ancient world, equality was often a concept reserved for the elite. The great philosophers of Greece, such as Plato and Aristotle, spoke of ideal societies, but these were societies that were far from egalitarian. In the mighty city-state of Athens, citizens held rights and privileges, but women, slaves, and non-citizens were excluded from these privileges. The notion of equality was something that was often limited by status and birthright, and to be a man of privilege in ancient Greece was to enjoy opportunities that others could never dream of. Yet even then, voices rose in the Agora, challenging these injustices and speaking of a world where fairness and justice could reach all people, regardless of their station. Toni Duggan’s words, too, reflect this vision—a call for an equality of opportunity, where all people, regardless of their gender or background, are given the tools and resources they need to excel.

Consider, O Children, the story of ancient Rome, where the Roman legions were the pride of the empire. These soldiers, who fought and bled for their empire, did not ask for riches or luxury; they asked for the basic tools of their trade: well-maintained weapons, training grounds, and proper facilities. The Romans understood that excellence in any endeavor requires the right conditions—whether in battle or in sport. The Roman soldiers knew that their success was not just a result of their personal bravery, but also of the training, equipment, and support systems that allowed them to be at their best. In this same way, Duggan calls for the proper facilities and resources to allow athletes, especially women, to perform at the highest level, recognizing that equality in sports is not just about recognition but about providing the tools to succeed.

Duggan’s vision for equality in sports is not just about the equality of the players, but of the structures that support them. When athletes, especially women, are denied access to the best facilities, training, and resources, they are being denied the very tools of excellence that are available to their male counterparts. Equality, as Duggan suggests, is about providing these athletes with the same opportunities to perform—whether it is playing on the best pitches or having access to the basic comforts that allow them to recover and prepare. This is not a luxury, but a necessity if we are to truly achieve excellence in any field.

The fight for equality in sports mirrors the struggles for equality that have taken place throughout history. Consider the women’s suffrage movement, which fought not just for the right to vote, but for the recognition of women’s agency in society. Leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton did not simply demand equality in name, but in action, pushing for the right to participate fully in the life of the nation. Similarly, women in sports have long fought for the recognition of their worth, for the right to play, and for the same resources that have long been available to men. Duggan's words resonate with the spirit of this struggle, for they are a call to ensure that women are given the tools to succeed in the arena of sports, just as men have been for centuries.

The lesson, O Children, is clear and powerful: Equality is not just a matter of rights, but of access—access to the resources, facilities, and support needed to reach one’s full potential. Whether in sport, politics, or life itself, equality means creating the conditions in which every individual has the opportunity to excel, to rise to their fullest capability, and to contribute their unique talents to the world. Just as the Roman soldier required the right tools to conquer and succeed, so too does the modern athlete, who must have access to the best equipment and the best facilities to succeed in their field.

In your own life, remember this truth: Do not wait for equality to be given to you—demand it, and create the conditions that will allow you to succeed. Whether in your work, your education, or your passions, seek the resources and support systems that will allow you to excel, and recognize that equality means not just the absence of barriers but the presence of opportunity. Walk forward with confidence, knowing that the fight for equality is not just a fight for fairness, but for the freedom to be your best self, to shine and thrive in the conditions that allow you to truly flourish.