Thankfully, the world is becoming more and more accessible in many places. And whether it’s learning a new skill or planning your next big adventure, traditional lines between “male” and “female” hobbies are disappearing. Once upon a time, decorating was for women, and maths was for men. Men played rough sports, while women relaxed on the beach. But today, we know the world is far more nuanced. For example, interior design icon Bobby Berk has made his mark in a field once stereotyped as feminine. Meanwhile, Marleen Sungaard is leading NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We know that we don't have to be tied to 'gender specific' things and that allows our words to open up. Let’s look into a few industries where women are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated hobbies.
Racing
Anyone who has seen the Fast & The Furious films knows that Letty Ortiz (played by Michelle Rodriguez) is one of the best female racers in the (fictional) world. But Letty Ortiz can move aside—there are real women racing on the track today. First of all, there’s Sarah Fisher, who made a name for herself in America’s Indy Racing League. Indy racing is a type of open-wheel racing that’s popular in North America. Think of it as a mix between the illustrious Formula One league and the rough-and-tumble NASCAR races. Fisher made her name in 2001 at the Infiniti Grand Prix of Miami, where she finished second. Unlike other sports leagues, American racing makes room for women and men on the same track. Those unfamiliar with Fisher may recall the name Danika Patrick, who made her name by finishing first in an Indy Car race in 2008. In Europe, there’s the infamous Sabine Schmitz. She has won the 24 Hours of Nurburgring twice and also made an appearance on TV show Top Gear, where she left host Jeremy Clarkson in the dust. For women interested in getting behind the wheel, check out companies like VroomGirls and Pro Performance Racing School, which both offer classes for female drivers who may want to learn with other women. Did we mention that Ferrari is looking for female drivers for its motor racing school?
Sports Betting
For those who don’t imagine themselves racing along the Nurburgring track like Sabine Schmitz, there’s always the possibility of betting on her instead. Depending on which country you call home, there are a variety of sports betting options available. In the US, for example, trusted oddsmakers offer exclusive deals for those interested in wagering on major sports—and newcomers don’t need to worry. Top sites take the time to explain the basics to beginners, which means all that’s left to do is choose your sport. At the moment, companies like Deloitte are taking a close look at the future of sports betting in the US. While most of the data collected focuses on men aged 18-34 and their relationship to watching sports on television, there’s also quite a bit to say about who is wagering. In the UK, betting on sports is a common form of recreation. Still, it tends to be a sector dominated by men. But, as the lines between male and female sports blur, this could change. After all, 97.4% of horseracing fans like to bet on races, and the number of female jockeys is on the rise. Just over 80% of tennis fans bet on the sport, which enjoys a healthy female league, and 75% of Formula One fans will wager on their favorite racers, which could soon be open to female competitors. As more women enter the male sports field, there’s likely to be more ladies getting in on the action. Some studies, like those by 888 Holdings, even suggest that women outperform men in terms of ROI when it comes to sports betting.
Video Gaming
When it comes to video games, some women will likely associate the hobby with games their partners or siblings like to play, or even with the unfortunate obstacles many female gamers face in the male-dominated sector. However, video games are an equal playing field, and what could be better than finding a game that pays real money? More and more women are making millions behind the screen, regardless of where in the world they're located. In fact, women's gaming is a global trend. A list of the world’s highest-paid female gamers reveals that elite talent is split across continents, from North America to Asia to Europe. Women are flexing their virtual muscles in first-person shooter games like Modern Warfare 2 and Counter Strike: Global Offensive just as much as they’re competing in RPG games like Fortnite and classic arcade iterations like Street Fighter. Sasha Hostyn (aka Scarlett), Katherine Gunn (aka Mystik), and Sioban Bielamowicz (aka HaganeNoTema) are some of the top-earners today. They’ve stashed hundreds of thousands of dollars by competing in high-octane tournaments. For those interested in learning more, check out Twitch.tv. Twitch is a mega-popular streaming site that allows users to stream their live video game feeds. While the website allows users to stream just about anything, watching professionals kick butt in video games is how the site originally made its name. On the site, it’s possible to view a variety of games to figure out which one sparks curiosity. Mentioned above, popular games include first-person shooters, RPG (which stands for role player games), and fighting games. However, there's a dizzying variety of video games that can easily become a career. For instance, there are fantasy franchises like Dead or Alive or League of Legends, classic sports video games like FIFA, and racing games like Rocket League or iRacing. The biggest challenge will be where and how to play. Luckily, the internet is flooded with used consoles and other cheap options for those looking to try something new without breaking the bank.
