Sports as a catalyst in women empowerment

Gender inequity varies significantly, in both degree and in the forms it takes, from country to country. Some countries have made significant progress in reducing inequities through targeted actions to change gender norms, legislate and protect human rights, and ensure access to education, health and other services. However, disparities that affect women are widespread in every region of the world and are a significant obstacle to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Achieving gender equity and empowerment of women requires systematic and sustained attention in all policy areas. Sport is an integral part of the culture of almost every nation. However, its use to promote gender equity and empower girls and women is often overlooked because sport is not universally perceived as a suitable or desirable pursuit for girls and women. Existing social constructs of masculinity and femininity — or socially accepted ways of expressing what it means to be a man or woman in a particular socio-cultural context — play a key role in determining access, levels of participation, and benefits from sport. Sport programs can enhance the empowerment process by challenging gender norms, reducing restrictions and offering girls and women greater mobility, access to public spaces, and more opportunities for their physical, intellectual and social development. By involving families, community leaders, and boys and men in gender education, changes to gender norms can benefit men and women alike. Sport can also provide girls and women with powerful role models, leadership skills and experience that they can transfer to other domains such as their family life, civic involvement, and advocacy. All of these beneficial effects are self-reinforcing, and may also make sporting opportunities for girls and women more sustainable over time.