Gender equality in sports is a topic that is frequently discussed by athletes and sporting organisations. While there has been a great deal of effort to promote gender equality in sport, significant obstacles remain for women and girls who are interested in playing, coaching, or managing sporting teams. These obstacles include a lack of training, financial support, and awareness-raising events, as well as structural and sociocultural factors.
In this article, we present the results of a qualitative study based on a focus group with participants that included athletes at various levels, physical education teachers, and coaches. This focus group was conducted in order to discover the perceptions of these individuals about gender inequality in sport and to identify the tools that could be useful for reducing it.
The results of the study indicate that there are significant differences in attitudes towards gender equality (GE) in sport across European countries. Moreover, the analysis shows that ideological differences are an important factor in shaping these attitudes. Specifically, left-wing respondents were more supportive of GE in sport than right-wing ones. This result is in line with the political context, where left-wing parties have increasingly aligned themselves with feminist movements and rapid social change has been framed by conservative parties as an affront to cultural and national identity.
A number of strategies can be used to reduce gender inequality in sport. Firstly, it is essential to raise awareness of gender inequality in sport and educate people on the issue. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop policies and create legislation that foster gender equality in sport. Finally, it is crucial to encourage more women and girls to play sports and break the glass ceiling that still exists for them.