Although it is taking a long time to achieve true equality, gender equality in sports has made significant progress. In the Olympic Games, for example, there were more female athletes than ever before. The 2024 Olympic logo even includes a woman’s face. In addition, mixed-gender events are increasingly being held.

But achieving true equality in sport will take more than just making women feel welcome in sports organizations. The gender gap will also need to be bridged through education, tackling sexist stereotypes that undermine women’s abilities and promoting positive role models who demonstrate the potential of both men and women in sports. And it will require increased investments and equitable policies that address sexism and discrimination.

Gender equality in sport can be improved by implementing a range of strategies, including enhancing access to funding and ensuring equal representation in decision-making positions, such as the boardrooms of sports organizations. Having an easy-to-use, secure and anonymous whistleblowing mechanism that can capture discrimination and harassment complaints is crucial, too.

The #MeToo movement has brought sexism and harassment to the forefront of discussion, helping create more accountable environments and increasing awareness of how it affects athletes at all levels. But there is still much to be done, and that includes continuing to support women’s teams just as we do men’s.

This will help to ensure that women who put in an equivalent amount of effort have the same opportunities to excel. It will also help to encourage girls and young women to choose a career in sports, knowing that they will be supported and encouraged as well as receive equal pay and perks.