Despite the growing popularity of sports, gender equality (GE) remains a challenge in the field. Men and women are still underrepresented in key sports leadership roles (governance, coaching, technical officials, team leadership) and are disproportionately exposed to the risks of sport (e.g., injuries, abuse, harassment).
GE in sport is a complex issue that cannot be addressed solely by changing social attitudes. Instead, we need to look at how GE is supported and challenged by the broader sporting context.
One of the most effective ways to address the gender gap in sports is to increase funding for women’s teams. Currently, men’s teams receive the majority of sponsorship and television rights. Consequently, the quality of female teams is often limited by insufficient financial support.
The media is a powerful tool that can be used to promote GE in sports, but it must be utilised wisely. For instance, it is important that media coverage avoids objectifying female athletes by emphasising their beauty and love lives rather than focusing on their athletic achievements.
Moreover, it is crucial to encourage spectators to support female athletes and their teams. This is essential as a strong and supportive spectator base can help to change the perception of sports as an arena for pure male competition. Finally, sports institutions must continue to adhere to Title IX, an international legal framework that supports GE in intercollegiate athletics. This will help to eliminate discriminatory practices and create a positive championship experience for college athletes of all sex.