Right from medieval times, sports have always been a significant source of entertainment and also a means of showcasing physical prowess in different areas.
The evolution of sports will always be a thing of fascination, from being a form of physical contest among men into the inclusive multi-billion-dollar industry it has become. This also includes games like blackjack, roulette, poker, etc., which are not left behind in this evolution.
The world of sports has seen notable progress in recent years, with its inclusion of females as opposed to ancient times, which did not allow the participation of women.
However, even in the pursuit of athletic excellence by female athletes, females still face unique challenges in their sporting endeavors. So, let’s explore how female sport has evolved and the problems faced in this industry.
History and Evolution of Women in Sport
Females were often excluded from participating in sports in ancient times for several reasons that sourced from notions that they possessed inferior athletic abilities to men.
However, trailblazers like Billie Jean King and Danica Patrick challenged the status quo after exhibiting success in previously male-dominated sports. Through this, the world gradually realized that women possess immense athletic prowess and deserve equal recognition.
Challenges Faced by Female Athletes
In the midst of this journey towards inclusivity, female athletes still encounter several unique challenges, and we will discuss them below.
Gender Stereotypes
Female athletes are affected significantly by stereotypes which oftentimes lead to limited opportunities for them in the sporting world.
Due to traditional notions, females are mostly restricted to certain sports, even today. And this, in the long run, denies them access to leagues where they could showcase their skills and reach their full potential.
Stereotypes could also create biased expectations for female athletes, as athleticism is often viewed as masculine. This creates a conflict in trying to reconcile their athletic pursuits with society’s demands.
These stereotypes could also undermine self-esteem leading to a decline in the performance showcased.
To overcome this barrier, societal views on femininity must not only be broken down but the idea that athleticism and womanhood can go together should be promoted.
Pay Gap
In various sports, the difference in wages paid in men’s and women’s competitions is substantial. This hinders the financial stability and security of sportswomen, especially after retirement. The wage gap discrepancy also undervalues their achievement enforcing the notion that women’s sport is inferior.
Sportswomen also generally tend to receive fewer endorsement contracts compared to their male counterparts. On the rare occasions, they secure sponsorship deals, profits made from it in the long run benefits the sponsor and not them. Earning potential then becomes limited, which hinders their ability to capitalize on their success.
Funding and Investments
The level of financial support provided can impact the development and overall success in sports. If there is no adequate funding, athletes can’t access top-notch resources, which are crucial to skill development. Some of these resources include high-tech medical services, first-rate coaching staff, and modern gym equipment.
The amount of scholarship opportunities available for female athletes still pursuing an education is also limited.
If there were more scholarships for female athletes, it would go a long way in soothing the burden of finance for many. Focus can then be given to their sporting career and education, ensuring long-term security.
Lack of investment in professional leagues for women’s sports is another challenge the female sector is facing. Adequate investment would increase the number of professional bodies and teams for female athletes, but it isn’t the case. It is also another reason why high-level competition is quite limited in female sports compared to their male counterparts.
Objectification
Objectification is also a very harmful challenge that female athletes face, as it undervalues the achievements of sportswomen and reduces their worth to just their physical appearance. Society usually judges female athletes based on their looks rather than their skills.
In short, most of their followers tend to focus more on their personal lives rather than their professional performance. And since that is what sells in the media, they push it more and undermine their sporting achievements in the process.
Recognition
Female sports generally lack representation and influence in organizations that are responsible for decision-making in sports. And since females are barely involved in the decision-making process, the rules favor them less.
Another scenario of women not getting enough recognition in sports is retirement. There are a lot of opportunities made available to retired male athletes compared to sportswomen. Men dominate sports punditry and coaching careers more than females. This reinforces the fact that long-term security is not guaranteed for female athletes.
Final Remarks
Though the sport has evolved and become inclusive, there are still a lot of discrepancies that need fixing to ensure that female athletes continue to push boundaries and inspire change. By breaking down these barriers, we can usher in an evolution where equality is achieved in sports.