Dates as far back as Greece, the journey to being a “sportsman” has been challenging. Women are burdened with unequal funding, discrimination, and sexism.

We can never forget the unseen kiss from the Spain football team. The president assaulted a team player by kissing her on the lips as a way to congratulate her. Recently a video resurfaced of a woman who was smiling and performing until a man kissed her. “X” user quoted the post highlighting that being touched without consent can make you filthy and damn light.

It is not news that women are sexually assaulted as a result of being part of the sports industry. Given that sports are recognized to be predominantly male-occupied, the support female sports players are now receiving from both female and male counterparts has significantly increased. 

The first participation of female athletes was in the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris. It wasn’t until 2012 that female athletes were featured in all events at the Summer Olympics. As of 2023, the International Olympic Committee recorded 41% of its members to be women. The 2024 Paris Olympics is recognized for being the first to achieve the goal of gender equivalency between men and women. 

The underrepresentation of women in sports organizations, where women are considered less involved in operational roles. Young girls don’t engage in sports, “ from the early stages of a girl’s life, society dictates how she should look and behave and what goals must be prioritized. Which are typically physical appearance and social relationships like marriage over being an athlete. It is not surprising when girls who are interested in sports are referred to as tomboys because sports are something “only boys love and do.”

Listed are a few reasons why girls might not engage in sports.

1. Body Image: 

Negative body image can lead to the decline of young girls interested in sports. As girls go through puberty, they may become more self-conscious about their body changes and would rather not participate in an activity that puts their bodies on display.

2. Absence of Female Role Models and Coaches: 

The underrepresentation of women in sports. Without female athletes to motivate and inspire teenage girls tend to feel disconnected from the sports community. The reduction of female coaches also doesn’t help as girls need to see representation in their coaches. 

3. Societal Construct: 

As sports is referred to as “an activity for men” it is no shocker that girls may find it difficult to participate. Social conditioning forces teenage girls to engage in activities that are perceived as more “feminine” or socially acceptable.

Bullying and gender-based violence is also one of the banes of women in sports. It is a no-brainer; when someone feels represented, safe, and protected, they will feel included. I believe the listed above can be helped. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some ways to encourage female participation in sports:

1. Challenge the “stereotypical norm”:

Educate the willingly ignorant misogynists and bigots on the need for more women to be involved in the sports federation. Challenging the stereotype would improve the self-esteem and image of women in sports and the women who are interested.

2. Building support programs for female Athletes:

Offering female-centered programs for athletes would make women feel included in sportsmanship. Invite speakers who are female coaches or athletes who will encourage young female athletes to put in more work in their craft.

3. Positive Imagery for women in sports: 

Educate the young girls on the extra benefit of being an athlete. Self-defense tactics, building confidence, endangering the patriarchy, and overall being a woman in sport doesn’t mean “ I want to be one of the boys”; I am just a woman who likes sports. 

Sports isn’t a gendered affair; it is for humans, it is a confidence booster, and a place for all races, genders, ethnicities, and all types of people. Don’t let society define you. You’re a woman in sports, and you deserve to be heard, seen, and included.