There are five key problems acting as barriers to women in sports- stereotypes, accessibility and opportunities, media coverage, roles in leadership, and the wage gap: all of these in forming a cycle. Moving forward, there are actions we can take, that might not change the entire system, but would be a huge step in the right direction.
First, stereotypes. There can well and only be one solution to this, that is to show that sports are for everyone. It is a deep-rooted problem in society and the only way gender norms will be dismantled is to show it to their face. For this, the other four problems must be successively eliminated.
Second, accessibility and opportunities. Four simple things to do to solve this issue are mentioned hereafter. Firstly, improving efforts to monitor young athletes so that participation across all areas can be systematically recognized and evaluated. A good example of this would be the signing of Title IX in the USA, after which opportunities and participation for women in sports increased by five hundred percent. Next, promote opportunities for girls to participate in a wide variety of sports, ensuring that girls have the same access to things like summer training camps as their counterparts. Third, increase the visibility and representation of successful women athletes as incredible role models for young and aspiring athletes. This not only serves as an inspiration but also firmly emphasizes that sports are for women too. Lastly, educating parents about the benefits of their playing sports to encourage participation along with providing equal access to scholarships for girls as well. Not only serves as a goal but also paves the way to an equal footing.
Third, media coverage and representation act as, as explained in the other articles, a significant barrier to equity. We must dedicate to consistent and accurate media coverage of women's sports. While covering women’s sports during large sporting events is essential, to build and sustain audiences and fan bases, the media needs to cover women's sports on a daily basis. This allows readers and fans to build anticipation, understand strategies, and know players and teams as well as their male counterparts, enhancing interest. Second, we must commit to improving the characterization of women athletes by working to dismantle gender norms and narratives about women athletes and ensure that they are represented as athletes in their own right, not just women. This does two things, firstly, sending out the idea that women are successful and skilled athletes in their own right, along with confronting narratives about women athletes that the media loves to encourage i.e femininity, childbearing, and sexualization. That is to say, equalize the quantity and quality of coverage of female and male athletes. Lastly, hire more and more women in sports media and news outlets, all to prevent the promotion of the narratives mentioned previously.
Fourth are the roles in leadership. We must support professional sports league expansions to create more opportunities for women to participate and take up leadership roles such as managers and coaches in professional sport. Taking a look into legal structures and policies to assess gender equality and advancement opportunities can go a long way in actively discouraging norms, social practices, and policies perpetuating the status quo with men holding positions of power. Overall, ensure that there is a diverse set of people eligible and able to apply for leadership positions.
Lastly, the wage gap. This is going to pretty much be solved once the other problems are acted on. The wage gap is the result of constant misrepresentation, inadequate coverage, gender norms, and unequal access. In the status quo, the vast majority of female athletes are employed on a pay-per-match basis, in contrast to their male counterparts. We must advocate for contractual employment for women athletes as well to close out the wage gap.
Women can do what they want to too, but they are actively and systemically discouraged by society. Moving forward, do your bit. Spread awareness among your friends and family- it is just as vital. These are all tiny but crucial steps forward. In the right direction.
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