Many societies have historically struggled with gender equality, and sports are no exception. Women face inequalities in their professional fields, educational institutions, households and other environments — including sports. These inequalities stem from societal norms, culture and beliefs, as well as social, economic and historical structures. Several interventions have successfully increased female participation and representation in sports, but these gains need to be further amplified in order to close the gap. These include increasing funding, awareness and education, developing policy and legislation, fostering women’s leadership, and prioritizing survivor-focused and trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence and harassment in sport.
Gender-equality in sports can also be advanced by challenging and dismantling structural inequalities such as the pay gap, while ensuring access to training and education opportunities for athletes across socioeconomic groups. Further, addressing gender stereotypes and addressing internalized sexism can be helpful for all participants in sport.
Nevertheless, the current political climate in the United States is creating new barriers or exacerbating existing ones to girls’ and women’s sports. For example, state legislatures are proposing bills that would restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare and force students to use bathrooms consistent with the sex assigned at birth, thus hindering their ability to participate in schools’ sports programs. In addition, some sports organizations have sparked criticism by hiring people with history of domestic abuse or posting misogynist content on social media, casting doubts about their commitment to gender equality in sport. Consequently, governments and other stakeholders must take immediate action to protect sports’ democratizing power and advance gender equity.