Gender inequality has been a problem since the dawn of society and sports are no exception. The dominant perceptions of masculinity – physical strength, dominance and power – manifest in violence against women, exploitation, non-inclusion and discrimination and this needs to change.
As sports organisations are often influential in their communities, they can promote gender equality in a variety of ways. They can create and promote role models of women athletes, invest in female sports infrastructure and media presence, ensure balanced coverage in the press and education for journalists on how to portray sportspeople with a gender-neutral perspective. They can also develop and strengthen legal and judicial frameworks to prevent and respond to sports-related sexual harassment and violence, and support victims in seeking compensation and remedies.
The assumption that men are better athletes than women should be abandoned. This type of perception contributes to the lack of support for women in sport. Women have unique strengths and weaknesses, which should be taken into account when training and competing. For example, women tend to be less prone to injuries than men and they usually perform better in sport than their male counterparts.
Ultimately, it is up to collaborative organisations and the media to make the changes needed to increase the visibility of women in sports. They can encourage the participation of girls and women in sports, promote female role models in sport, and provide equal opportunities for women in leadership roles and governance models. They can also invest in women’s sport and promote a gender-neutral portrayal of sports in the media, as well as establish transparent and anonymous abuse reporting mechanisms.
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