Gender equality in sports is still a long way off. Misogyny and sexism persist, leaving girls and women feeling they don’t belong in sport. Women are a minority in leadership roles, coaching and technical roles, and at the highest levels of competition.
Women’s sports teams often struggle for financial support and media coverage compared with men’s. Policies aiming to promote gender equality in sport need to take into account the cultural and structural barriers that hinder women’s participation and advancement in sports. A focus on addressing the needs of women in sport, including training and support, can help to overcome these obstacles. In addition, education and awareness-raising efforts that highlight sporting achievements without gender tropes can encourage a more inclusive attitude towards female athletes.
The stereotypes of masculinity, physical strength and power typically portrayed in media and societal perceptions contribute to the exclusion of women from many sports, preventing them from being considered as ‘worthy’ or ’respectable’ as male sportswomen. The lack of support and acceptance for women’s sports is also evident in the underfunding of women’s sports by funding agencies, which prioritize men’s sport on the assumption that it attracts more spectators and generates more revenue.
Changing this narrative and increasing the number of women in leadership positions is vital to ensure women’s rights are respected and reflected in sport policies. However, the success of any initiative to tackle gender inequality in sports will depend on both men and women committing to taking action and being role models.