Gender equality in sports has been a long-running issue. While there are positive trends in increasing investment, awareness and attendance at women’s sporting events and narrowing the pay gap, there is a need to address many of the cultural and structural barriers that continue to exist. These include gender stereotypes, which contribute to the assumption that men are more physically stronger and faster than women. The perception of masculine dominance translates into violence, exploitation and discrimination against women in sport.

Athletes at different levels, as well as physical education teachers and coaches, shared common thoughts and statements about the challenges and obstacles to gender equality in sport. These included: a lack of awareness and the influence of gender stereotypes in society; a glass ceiling for female athletes; a lack of women in management, technical and coaching positions; inadequate funding for women’s sports and a shortage of visibility in the media; and an unbalanced distribution of training time.

Athletes also identified strategies that could help to achieve greater gender equality in sport. These include: increased economic investment, including scholarships for women’s sports, and balanced media coverage. A more collaborative approach that involves the participation of all stakeholders in promoting and improving gender equality in sports is also important. In addition, a more transparent and equitable policy framework is needed, and the need for more research into tackling gender inequality in sports is evident.