While there are signs that gender equality in sports is improving, there is much more work to be done. We must tackle gender stereotyping in society, educate people about gender discrimination, close the economic gap, create safe environments and bias-free representation of athletes, and encourage girls to play sports.
Gender inequality in sport is a complex issue that requires collaboration from all stakeholders. It involves political action by governments, advocacy by NGOs and community organizations, and education and awareness by sports organizations and the media. The broader societal context also contributes to the gender gap in sport, including social norms and beliefs, the economic status of men and women, cultural values and traditions, and the level of acceptance of feminist ideas.
Although the Brighton Declaration and other international frameworks promote gender equality in sports, implementation is often limited. Moreover, gender issues in sport are influenced by the power dynamics of sports organizations. For instance, male leaders of sports organizations tend to prefer so-called “men’s sports” in order to attract more spectators and revenue. This preference results in underfunding of women’s sports and perpetuates male-dominated decision-making structures. Furthermore, access and treatment discrimination negatively affect women’s involvement in leadership roles in sports organizations. These issues can be addressed by implementing gender-inclusive governance models, raising awareness and promoting best practices.