Sports discrimination against women is an ongoing issue that restricts efforts to achieve real equality. There are still many obstacles and disadvantages that women in sports must overcome, even with major improvements in recent years. The vastly different chances offered to female athletes represent one of the most fundamental examples of gender inequality in sports.
Women’s sports have much less media attention, sponsorship partnerships, and financial assistance as a result of which female athletes gain little visibility and recognition. The pay gap is a further example of gender injustice in sports. Even in sports where men and women compete at the professional level, female players regularly earn less money in salary and awards than male sportsmen do. This imbalance devalues women’s contributions to sport while also discouraging female athletes from pursuing a career in athletics due to its financial burdens.
Another important field in which the gender gap in sports still exists is in representation and leadership positions. In coaching, officiating, and administration professions, women are particularly absent. A male-dominated sports culture is a result of the under representation of women in leadership positions, which limits the opportunity for women to share their viewpoints.
In addition, social norms and gender stereotypes discourage girls from participating in sports and following athletic occupations. Deep-seated biases promote the idea that sports are largely a male world, which limits female athletes access to, support from, and encouragement. This restricts the general growth and development of women’s sports by adding to the lack of variety.
