Sports is the largest sector of the creative industry capable of driving economic growth as well as an increasingly important tool to foster social inclusion and equity, and to enhance diversity. As an effective vehicle, sports can strengthen individual capacity and improve lives in communities where programmes are being conscientiously developed and implemented. The potential of sports to improve the productivity of a country’s workforce and to build a healthier, physically active population delivers it (sports) as a catalyst for growth and a key strategy asset.
Sports is an integral part of the culture of almost every nation. Such is the integral nature of sports that it is used in reference and practice, as a channel of expression for capacity development, human rights, access to resources and opportunities. Sports has long been adopted as a platform for empowerment given the immense opportunities that are available to participants. Cultural perceptions however, that considered sports as more suitable for men, have been impediments to women participants having access to similar opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
In 2016, a study was commissioned by a research and data advisory service on Women and Sports in Nigeria. The scope of the study was to interrogate the participation and interest of women in sports. Findings from the report also established the perception of women themselves and their engagement with physical activities viz-a-viz other unique areas of their social lives.
Women have long participated in sports and have constantly represented Nigeria at major international events. This participation of women, howbeit historical, is marked with major accomplishments amid advances for gender equality, and the empowerment of girls and women. The opportunity to make considerable impact on sports in Nigeria continues to overlook this significant group despite their contributions to the many honours the nation has come to be respected for, continental and international.
Girls and women are less likely than boys and men to participate in sport in all countries; this much is true. It should however, never be alluded to lack of interest. Though there is an increase in the number of female participants in sports, the need to create equal levels of opportunity and access to skills and capacity development remains critical. Sports continues to prove it is an outlier to engage regardless of gender norms and cultural bias among other critical sectors.
SPORTS AS A TOOL TO EMPOWER GIRLS AND WOMEN
Through a structured sports programme, girls and women can become more involved in social factors that influence their lives. Sports becomes a powerful platform for health information and education, connecting girls and women with the information, skills and strategies they need to reduce health risks in their lives particularly in connection with their sexual and reproductive health. They become physically active as sports benefits their physical and mental health also reducing chances of chronic diseases, depression and anxiety.
Sports programmes provide women and girls with a voice for decision making, training, and opportunities for leadership and advocacy. It helps them get involved in programme designs that directly benefits them hence, reducing social isolation and exclusion that girls and women experience; this is particularly true of those who cannot attend school and live in poverty. These programmes equip them to take greater control over their lives.
Sports helps to increase self-esteem by giving women and girls opportunities to learn new skills, engage in positive relationships, and acquire achievements. They get to engage volunteer service and receive public recognition. Sports programmes provide girls and women with safety nets and places to gather, help them to build social networks, offer social support, and connect them to health, education and employment information, and services to address their specific needs.
The empowerment process enhances the capacity of women and girls to challenge gender norms reduce restrictions as well as offer greater mobility and more opportunity for their physical, intellectual and social development. Of significant value is the provision of powerful role models to women and girls, leadership skills and experience they can transfer to other critical areas of their lives such as family, civic participation, and advocacy.
LIMITATIONS OF SPORTS TO ACHIEVING GENDER EQUITY AND THE EMPOWERMENT
In spite of the benefits of sports, successful implementation of programmes targeted at gender equity involves many challenges and obstacles. Girls and women unlike boys and men have limited time available to participate in sports. This though is changing, but it remains a factor when opportunities are being created for even playing field. There is also little value placed on sports activities by the girls themselves, by their families, and by their communities.
Sports does come with its own risks. Female athletes and sports participants are subject to the influence and control of predominantly male coaches, teachers and officials: there can be a risk of harassment and sexual abuse which are well documented in other climes. The stigma exists and remains a greater challenge for many women and girls to report such events in Nigeria. Critically needed are policies and procedures to protect the girls and women and to give them the confidence to participate in sports.
Participating in sports activities where physical appearance is an important factor may increase the risk of developing the Female Athlete Triad. The Female Athlete Triad is a syndrome affecting many high-performance athletes and some very physically active girls and women. It involves eating disorders, delayed or interrupted menstruation, and osteoporosis. This syndrome is usually caused by self-imposed or externally driven pressure to maintain an unrealistically low body weight.
WOMEN, SPORTS AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The risks associated with sports notwithstanding and the limitations to achieving gender equity and the empowerment of women, sports can be a catalyst that liberates girls and women. Sports can empower girls and women within their communities; provide positive health and
welfare outcomes. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for all development efforts. The SDGs unequivocally address the need to promote gender equity and the empowerment of girls and women.
Some of the ways in which sports can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs include the following:
No Poverty – Through influencing the creation of equal access to male and female participants, sports provides a level playing field for the acquisition of transferable life skills leading to increased chances of employability.
Zero Hunger – Programmes directly conceived through sports ensure participants are catered for and food is regularly provided to inhibit exhaustion during and after physical activities. Again, increased employability improves spending power of participants.
Good Health and Well-being – Participants are regularly exposed to the health benefits associated with sports and physical activities. This reduces chances and risks of diseases, physical and mental breakdown.
Quality Education – Incentives and the required support for girls to enroll in school is provided through sports. The success of enrollment enhances school attendance and academic achievement.
Gender Equality – Increase in self-esteem, self-confidence, and a sense of control over their (girls and women) bodies. There are also increased opportunities for social interaction and friendship which inherently promotes healthy competition through access to leadership opportunities and experience.
Decent Work and Economic Growth – Through sports-based opportunities women can acquire education information, leadership experience and social networks in the pursuit of life-changing goals which inadvertently exposes them to competitive non-sporting professions and earn decent living.
Sports promotes the right of all to participate in physical activities and in other areas of social life, and women and girls are no less the better when equal opportunities are provided to them just as men and boys have access.