Gender equality in sports is not only essential for women’s health and well-being, but is also a key driver in the fight against gender discrimination. It can be catalysed by the presence of female athletes as role models, which is a critical factor in changing societal perceptions around gender inequality and social injustice. It is thus imperative to support and empower female athletes and to invest in the development of a broader range of gender-inclusive strategies.
Despite the global commitment to gender equality, there remains an urgent need for more research and policy initiatives to ensure that women have equal access to sport. Many of these challenges are rooted in the cultural context, with a persistent lack of knowledge on how to address the complex dynamics of gender equality as a core barrier. Physical education teachers and coaches are often unaware of the various dimensions of the issue, limiting their ability to implement and promote policies that support gender equality in sports.
To overcome these barriers, a new study protocol has been developed to serve as a tool for gathering and assessing data on the status of gender equality in sports. The study protocol consists of 20 content indicators that are evaluated through separate analyses and graded using a 10-point scale, offering a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and progress in this area. It encourages national evaluators to meet annually and produce national reports that highlight the latest evidence on the issue of gender equality in sports, and the most effective ways to promote and advance women’s presence in sport and leadership structures.