Gender equality (GE) in sports is more than just equal pay for women and girls; it’s also a commitment to promoting, supporting, and investing in women and girls’ participation and development in sport. This includes addressing internalized sexism in which girls and women are socialized into gender norms that may lead to them being viewed as less capable or worthy of participating in sport.
Since the 1972 passage of Title IX, there has been a significant increase in female participation in sport. However, the gender gap in sports remains large. Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and are more likely than men to be viewed as ‘less competent’ by coaches, teammates, and fellow athletes. Moreover, the majority of sports governing bodies in the world have all male leadership teams. (Messner & Cooky, 2022)
In addition, many states have laws that create new barriers or exacerbate existing ones to access and participation in sport for girls and women. Examples include laws that prevent access to gender-affirming healthcare, require girls to use the bathroom of the sex assigned at birth, and prohibit or limit athletic scholarships for transgender students. (Nakajima & Hanzhang Jin, 2022)
Research has shown that gender equity in sport is related to attitudes toward equality and the extent to which individuals believe that sexism exists in sports. The #MeToo and #SeAcabo movements have increased awareness of sexism in sport and have helped to elicit greater support for GE in sport. More enabling policies, including increased funding and balanced media coverage, are needed to improve attitudes towards GE in sport and address barriers to participation for girls and women.