Gender equality in sports has been a long struggle since the beginning of society. Women have faced inequalities in their professional fields, educational institutions and households; sport has not been a safe haven. Despite the progress that has been made, gender inequality remains prevalent. This is not only due to the perceptions of dominance and physical strength traditionally portrayed in sports, but also because of the lack of funding for women’s teams. In many cases, the men’s team receives the majority of the sponsorship and television contracts. This has alienated women who want to participate in the world of sports and must be addressed in order to foster more female athletes.
In a recent study, women athletes, sport managers/teachers and coaches were asked about their opinions on the topic of gender inequality in sport and what challenges, obstacles and needs they encountered or have to face as women athletes. Athletes and the other stakeholders shared that gender inequality is a societal issue that is also present in the world of sport. They believe that it is important to promote and implement strategies such as increasing investments, awareness and education, creating policies and legislation, fostering women’s leadership and developing mixed and inclusive sports projects in order to promote and achieve gender equality in sports.
In the future, we want to see all people enjoy the joy and fulfillment that sport has to offer regardless of their gender. We will continue to fight for equal pay, to end discrimination in the workplace and on the playing field, and to tackle misogyny in all its forms.