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PUBLISHED TO PROMOTE THE GOALS OF THE BEIJING DECLARATION AND THE PLATFORM FOR ACTION December 2007 Women, gender equality and sport Edwina Sandys UNITED NATIONS Division for the Advancement of Women Department of Economic and Social Affairs women2000 and beyond December 2007 have a higher risk of developing than Women, men.6 Participation in physical activity aids in the prevention and/or treatment of other chronic and degenerative dis- gender equality eases associated with aging, such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, osteoporosis and cardiovascular abnor- and sport malities. It also helps in the manage- ment of weight and contributes to the formation and maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and joints. Physical Introduction past that sport was harmful to wom- activity can reduce the incidence of en’s health, particularly their repro- falls among older women. “Bicycling has done more to ductive health. In 1896, Baron Pierre An important role of physical activ- emancipate women than any one de Coubertin, founder of the modern ity in the life of older women lies in thing in the world” Olympics, stated: “No matter how prolonging independence. Much of the —Susan B. Anthony, suffragist, 1896 toughened a sportswoman may be, physical decline that was presumed an her organism is not cut out to sustain inevitable consequence of aging is now Women’s participation in sport has a certain shocks.” 2 Such stereotypes thought to be the result of inactivity. long history. It is a history marked by fuelled gender-based discrimination in While no one can guarantee that exer- division and discrimination but also one physical education and in recreational cise will prolong life, it can enhance filled with major accomplishments by and competitive sport, sporting organi- the quality of life for older women who female athletes and important advances zations and sport media. value their independence.7 for gender equality and the empower- The benefits for women and girls ment of women and girls. with disabilities are also well estab- Among the many remarkable lished. It has been noted that sport achievements are those of Helene The benefits for women provides a double benefit to women Madison of the United States of and girls of physical with disabilities by providing affirma- America, the first woman to swim activity and sport tions of self-empowerment at both the 100-yard freestyle in one minute 8 Although many of the clinical trials personal and collective levels. Apart at the 1932 Olympics; Maria-Teresa and epidemiological studies in health from enhancing health, wellness and de Filippis of Italy, the first woman to research have excluded women, the quality of life, participation in physical compete in a European Grand Prix auto data available suggest that women activity and sport develops skills such race in 1958; Nawal El Moutawakel derive many health benefits from an as teamwork, goal-setting, the pursuit of Morocco, the first woman from active lifestyle.3 The health benefits of of excellence in performance and other an Islamic nation to win an Olympic women’s participation in physical activ- achievement-oriented behaviours that medal for the 400-metre hurdles at women and girls with disabilities may ity and sport are now well established. the 1984 Olympics; and Tegla Loroupe not be exposed to in other contexts.9 Participation in sport and physical activ- of Kenya, who in 1994 became the Participation in sport and physical ity can prevent a myriad of noncom- first African woman to win a major activity can also facilitate good mental 1 municable diseases which account marathon. Women have taken up top health for women of all ages, includ- for over 60 per cent of global deaths, leadership positions in sport, such as ing the management of mental disor- 66 per cent of which occur in develop- Presidents and Secretaries-General of ders such as Alzheimer’s disease.10 It ing countries.4 For girls, it can have a National Olympic Committees. More can promote psychological well-being positive impact on childhood health, as and more women have also taken up through building self-esteem, confi- well as reduce the risk of chronic dis- employment opportunities in all areas dence and social integration, as well eases in later life. of sport, including as coaches, manag- as help reduce stress, anxiety, loneli- ers, officials and sport journalists. For older women, it can contribute ness and depression. This is particu- These achievements were made in to the prevention of cardiovascular dis- larly important as rates of depression the face of numerous barriers based on eases, which account for one third of among women are almost double gender discrimination. Women were deaths among women around the world those of men in both developed and often perceived as being too weak for and half of all deaths among women developing countries.11 Adolescent sport, particularly endurance sports, over 50 in developing countries.5 Physi- girls in particular are vulnerable to anxi- such as marathons, weightlifting and cal activity also helps to reduce the ety and depressive disorders and are cycling, and it was often argued in the effects of osteoporosis, which women significantly more likely than boys to 2 December 2007 women2000 and beyond have seriously considered suicide by ment in many different areas, including the age of 15.12 Inequalities in the home, the community and the In addition to improvements in and discrimination: labour market. The current dominance health, women and girls stand to gain constraining of men in the world of sport makes their involvement and contributions to specific social benefits from partici- women in sport achieving gender equality in this area pation in sport and physical activity. The positive outcomes of sport for critical. Sport provides women and girls with gender equality and women’s empow- erment are constrained by gender- This publication explores the power of an alternative avenue for participation based discrimination in all areas and at sport and physical education to advance in the social and cultural life of their all levels of sport and physical activity, gender equality and the empower- communities and promotes enjoyment fuelled by continuing stereotypes of ment of women and girls. It examines of freedom of expression, interper- women’s physical abilities and social persistent inequalities and challenges sonal networks, new opportunities and roles. Women are frequently segre- to equal participation and benefits increased self-esteem. It also expands gated involuntarily into different types for women and girls, as well as ways opportunities for education and for the of sports, events and competitions to address them. Examples of good development of a range of essential life specifically targeted to women. Wom- practices are provided in all areas. The skills, including communication, leader- en’s access to positions of leadership report outlines recommendations for ship, teamwork and negotiation. and decision-making is constrained action in the areas of research, policy Inactive adults can rapidly improve from the local level to the international and operational activities. their health and well-being by becom- level. The value placed on women’s ing moderately active on a regular basis. sport is often lower, resulting in inad- Physical activity need not be strenuous equate resources and unequal wages The United Nations to achieve health benefits and it is and prizes. In the media, women’s sport is not only marginalized but also human rights and sport never too late to gain benefits.13 often presented in a different style for development and that reflects and reinforces gender The benefits of women’s peace framework participation stereotypes. Violence against women, for sport and society exploitation and harassment in sport are manifestations of the perceptions “The practice of physical educa- In addition to benefits for women and of men’s dominance, physical strength tion and sport is a fundamental right girls themselves, women’s increased and power, which are traditionally por- for all.” involvement can promote positive trayed in male sport. —UNESCO International Charter development in sport by providing alter- of Physical Education and Sport, A number of critical elements have article 1 native norms, values, attitudes, know- been identified for challenging gender ledge, capabilities and experiences. discrimination and unequal gender A rights-based understanding of sport The contributions of women, particu- relations, and establishing an enabling and physical activity has been present larly in leadership positions, can bring environment for gender equality and since the founding of the United Nations. diversity and alternative approaches the empowerment of women, in many In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights set out a framework of and expand the talent base in areas different areas, including women and rights and duties and recognized that such as management, coaching and sport. They include improving wom- “Everyone has the right to rest and lei- sport journalism. en’s capabilities, through education and health; increasing their access to sure . .” (article 24); “Education shall The participation of women and girls and control over opportunities and be directed to the full development of in sport challenges gender stereo- resources, such as employment and the human personality . .” (article 26); types and discrimination, and can economic assets; enhancing their and “Everyone has the right to freely therefore be a vehicle to promote gen- agency and leadership roles; protect- participate in the cultural life of the der equality and the empowerment of ing and promoting their human rights; community . .” (article 27).14 women and girls. In particular, women and ensuring their security, including Sport and physical activity were first in sport leadership can shape attitudes freedom from violence. specifically recognized as a human right towards women’s capabilities as lead- The role of men and boys in chal- in the International Charter of Physical ers and decision-makers, especially lenging and changing unequal power Education and Sport, adopted in 1978 in traditional male domains.

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