With the opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and for the first time in history alongside the Paralympic Games, the world will witness an equal number of men and women competing, making it the largest gender-equal sporting event in the world. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of gender equality in sports, a cause that has been championed by various organizations and individuals.
Despite these advances, significant gender disparities persist and women and girls continue to face barriers in sports. Their representation in key roles such as governance, coaching, technical officials, and team leadership remains disproportionately low (). Additionally, inadequate prevention and response mechanisms for specific risks further compound these challenges.
On 24 July 2024, the 鈥淐hange the Game鈥 Conference organized by UNESCO hosted a pivotal session on "Gender Equality in and through Sport." This session gathered policymakers and sports practitioners to explore strategies for designing, implementing, and measuring inclusive sport policies and programs.
Driving lasting and transformative change
Through in-depth discussions and aligned with the UNESCO Sport and Gender Equality Game Plan, speakers addressed the importance of policymaking, investment, representation and data collection, emphasized that achieving gender equality in sports requires collective commitment and action around a comprehensive range of strategies.
We all agree that committing to the participation of women and girls in sports is part of the solution to creating an equitable society
Funding, investmentand implementing policies that tackle the root causes of gender inequalities were highlighted as crucial areas. These policies must aim to close the pay gap and ensure equal access to sports while promoting women's representation in coaching, leadership, and decision-making bodies.
We urge for increased investment in women鈥檚 sports. The myth that only men deliver profits and medals is false. Public authorities must take responsibility and allocate funds to support and elevate women in sports as well
Investment in women's sports goes far beyond the playing fields.
Compared to our brothers, as women, we are not encouraged to participate in sports, and I grew up thinking it wasn't for me. Through the Shooting Touch programme, we have established seven basketball courts that help us break stereotypes and create safe spaces for women
Addressing gender-based violence in sports was also identified as an imperative. The need to implement and enforce anti-violence and robust safeguarding policies to protect all participants on and off the field was stressed, alongside prioritizing survivor-focused, trauma-informed responses.
The Paris 2024 Olympics was the great goal of my life. Do you think it's normal that I had to stop because I experienced sexual violence in sports? Do you think it's normal that I had to stop because some coaches confuse pedagogy with control? Do you think it's not normal that I had to stop because of comments about my body, about my weight, about the fact that I was not psychologically strong enough, because an athlete shouldn't think too much and should just go blindly? Do you think it's normal that as soon as I speak about this topic publicly on social media, in my documentary, dozens of girls and women come to write to me, to talk to me, to say, 'Me too, me too. Me too.
The speakers underscored the importance of addressing gender inequalities in sports media coverage. Public events and campaigns play a vital role in changing societal attitudes and increasing recognition of women in sports. By improving visibility, we can inspire future generations and promote a more inclusive perception of sports.
The speakers called upon all Member States and stakeholders to join in these efforts as these action points are 鈥渆verybody鈥檚 business鈥 and involve the entire sports ecosystem.
Men have been fortunate to have certain tools and privileges, and it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and share them with those who have not had access to them
By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that the progress seen at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is not an isolated event but a stepping stone towards lasting change.
To all girls and women of the world, wherever you are and whatever your color, abilities, condition or age: never believe those who tell you that sports are not for you.
YES, sports are for you and ALL together, we are going to CHANGE THE GAME
