Despite the progress that has been made to achieve gender equality in sports, there is still much work to be done. Several key factors influence attitudes towards gender equality in sport. These include political ideology, economic priorities and media narratives, and it is important to understand how these influences interact in order to develop effective policies to support gender equality in sports.
Policy makers must rethink how to approach the gender equality challenges in sports. In particular, they should focus on addressing the ways in which gender stereotypes impact sporting environments. For example, the fact that female athletes are more likely to report experiencing discrimination suggests that structural barriers must be addressed in order to promote gender equality. Furthermore, women’s experiences must be incorporated in a comprehensive way into research and policy.
Moreover, the focus on the importance of listening to female athletes must be intensified. This is particularly crucial for establishing effective action policies. For example, the authors of the present study surveyed female players to find out what aspects of gender equality in sports are most important to them. Furthermore, they conducted focus groups with male and female sports professionals (female players, coaches, managers, and physical education teachers) to identify what aspects of the current state of gender equality in sports are most problematic.
Ultimately, the aim of promoting gender equality in sports must be pursued strategically by sporting organisations and governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee. To do so, they must take concrete steps to ensure that women receive the same opportunities and benefits as men. This includes equal access to participation opportunities, financial assistance, and prize money. In addition, it is vital to build a strong network of men and women who understand the need to stamp out misogyny and sexism in the world of sport.