Gender equality in sports is an important issue that must be tackled. It’s essential to challenge the gender stereotypes that prevent girls and women from enjoying the joy, fulfilment and lifelong health benefits of sport. Our charity strives to do this at every level of the game, both by challenging explicit cases of discrimination and harassment and addressing the underlying barriers that prevent women from enjoying sport.
While gender equality in sport is a global issue, the level of awareness of this issue can vary significantly from country to country. A recent study found that respondents in countries with high levels of awareness of gender discrimination in sport are more likely to have positive attitudes toward gender equality in sport (ATGEQS). This is a promising finding, but it is not enough to bring about real change.
In addition, sexism in sport remains widespread. Athletes must deal with gender stereotypes about who should play which sports and what they should look like while performing. This can be internalized and become a form of discrimination against women athletes, as pointed out by the Women’s Sport Foundation.
This is why it’s essential to raise public awareness and educate the wider community. Educating people on what gender equality in sport means is vital to tackling the sexism in sport and achieving a fair playing field for all. This includes educating people on what equality pay means, and asking that female and male athletes with the same level of work, responsibilities, and amount of matches are paid the same wage by their sport’s governing body.