Title: Sport | European Institute for Gender Equality
Headings: Sport
Sport
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Relevance of gender in the policy area
Gender inequalities in the policy area - Main issues
Existing policy objectives at EU and international level
Policy cycle in sport
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How and when? Sport and the integration of the gender dimension into the policy cycle
Practical examples of gender mainstreaming in sport
Timeline
1976
European Sport for all Charter
1994
Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport
1999
Helsinki report on sport
European Sport for all Charter
European Sport Charter
Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport
Helsinki report on sport
Conclusions of the Nice European Council of 7 – 9 December 2000, Annex IV, Declaration on the specific characteristics of sport and its social function in Europe
European Sport Charter
European Parliament Resolution on Women and sport (2002/2280 (INI)), 3 June, 2003
European Parliament resolution of 2 February 2012 on the European dimension in sport (2011/2087 (INI))
White Paper on sport
Article 165 of the Lisbon Treaty confirmed sport as an EU competence
Council Conclusions of 18 November 2010 on the role of sport as a source of and a driver for active social inclusion, OJ C 326, 3 December 2010
Communication on Developing the European Dimension of Sport
European Union Work Plan for Sport for 2011 – 2014
European Parliament resolution of 2 February 2012 on the European dimension in sport (2011/2087 (INI))
Helsinki Declaration on Women and Sport
UE Council adopted specific Conclusions on gender equality in sport, education, youth, culture and sport
European Union Erasmus+ funding launched for 2014–2020 includes sport
European Union Work Plan for Sport 2014 – 2017
Current policy priorities at EU level
The integrity of sport
The economic dimension of sport
Sport and society
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Content: However, sport can also be used as a means to achieve gender equality through the establishment of general values such as fair play, non-discrimination and teamwork. It can also be used to increase opportunities for girls, if local contexts and gender relations are taken into account and addressed. Sport can give women and girls access to public spaces where they can gather, develop new skills, gain support from others and enjoy freedom of expression and movement. It can promote education, communication, negotiation skills and leadership, all of which are essential to women’s empowerment. Sport can also increase women’s and girls’ self-esteem and enable them to make choices about their lives. Moreover, sport can provide a channel to inform girls and women about reproductive health and other health issues. Nevertheless, a number of practical barriers to women’s participation in sport still exist. Gender inequalities are evident across the sports sector, from representation at decision-making levels and media coverage, to participation in sports activities including coaching. Women may also face a general lack of safe and appropriate sports facilities, potentially exposing them to physical and/or verbal sexual harassment and assault. They may also experience additional physical constraints, lack of time and/or lack of childcare facilities.