Diversity in Sports: Celebrating the Inclusion

March, the month dedicated to women and also a significant time to promote women in sports. Why? Well, it's widely recognized, not only in Ireland but around the world, that women and girls face various obstacles in sports, including cultural barriers, stereotypes, lack of recognition, opportunities, and, whether we like to hear it or not, inequality.

Some men may feel overshadowed by the focus on women's achievements during this time, especially since International Men's Day on November 19th receives not so much attention yet. However, it's essential to understand that celebrating women does not diminish men's contributions and struggles. Rather, it's about achieving equality and recognizing women's place in sport, which have often been overlooked throughout history.

Women have the right to participate in sports and sports organizations. However, in male-dominated environments, there is still a lack of awareness and support for women's involvement. It's crucial to strive for gender balance and provide opportunities based on abilities, rather than connections, friends, gender or any other aspect.

While leadership positions in sports may not be for everyone, everyone deserves recognition and appreciation for their contributions. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued is key to retaining female participants in sports.

Some would say, as others have already stated, that there are women who succeed regardless of gender norms. Well done, that's already a positive result, and the work yields results. As someone said once, “We want to see more of that!” However, as the saying goes, "with a flower, we can't say that it is already springtime." We must continue striving to support initiatives that promote women's participation not only in the field, but in the higher positions too. 

Here can be another topic of controversy: “If the women don't apply, what can we do?” Simply put, if there's a male-dominated environment, the focus of recruitment needs to be switched to women so that a balance of genders and opportunities can be created.

While there may be fewer women in sports, it's not solely their decision to stay away. Many face challenges and barriers to full participation in sports that are not always personal. For instance, a significant factor for women in sports is deciding when to start a family, as this decision often has a much bigger impact on a woman's career than a man's. However, the systemic barriers can further impede women's opportunities in sports, pushing them away from certain positions or from sports altogether. It's essential to address these issues and work towards inclusion, recognition, and equality for all, setting aside personal differences.

Overcoming the obstacles that women face in sports requires collective effort and a commitment to achieving gender equality. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, providing opportunities, and addressing systemic barriers, we can create a more equitable sporting landscape where every athlete, regardless of gender, can thrive. By acknowledging the challenges women face in sports and working towards solutions, we can create a more inclusive, respectful and impartial sporting community for all, women and men. 

It is possible that our discussion of this topic may make some individuals feel defensive or uncomfortable, particularly if they perceive it as a challenge to their own beliefs, experiences, or organizations. However, our message promotes important discussions about gender equality in sports, a subject that is well-known around the world that is still considered to be a work in progress.