[irsbolognaParticipant 5 April 2019 at 15:13 Post count: 5]

in reply to: 2. Enhancing gender equity in outdoor sports – is it desirable to (also) organize women-only places/activities or should all places/activities be open for all genders? #919

Please provide arguments pro /contra women-only outdoor sport spaces or activities, possibly based on an inventory among different groups of women

In the outdoor sport field, where the gender gap is still relevant, the initiatives targeted to women only could represent an occasion to diminishing the initial embarrass, the fear of judgement and of stereotypes that prevent many women to practice outdoor physical activity. Indeed, women only events might feel less intimidating especially for beginners: it may be very daunting for beginners to take those first steps, to give running a try, to do something they’ve never done before, and get over the fear of looking stupid and out of place. However, at the same time, the ever-increasing number of “women-only” sport activities (such as, for example, races and or specific tournament) can send out the wrong message (i.e. that women need “special” races and/or tournaments) and can contribute to lose out one of the great positives of sport – that is, the fact that regardless of gender, of age, of pace, of background, we’re all in it together.
The experience of “Go-ALL” at “Mondiali Antirazzisti” teach us that differentiating between women and men in outdoor aport activities it is not always the best solution for the lack of participation of women in sports. “Mondiali Antirazzisti” is an event to promote sport as a peace driver among discriminations and stereotypes based on gender, nationality and culture. At the beginning, the festival provided separated football tournaments for male and female teams. It seemed to be a good strategy in order to increase overall participation. Despite the number of teams is been increasing year after year, the gap between the male and female participation in the two tournaments was always significant. In order to overcome this imbalance, the proposal was to gather the competitions in a major one, opened to both men and women. The “Go-ALL” mixed tournament, opened to male and female players, perfectly fits with the core values of the “Mondiali Antirazzisti”: equality, dignity and participation despite of gender, age, nationality or culture. The competition involves many different teams, both Italian and international, facing each other. It allows a great sharing of experiences and knowledges that cross the playing field. The promoters of the practice recognise the importance of giving space to the role of women in sport, especially in football.

[irsbolognaParticipant 5 April 2019 at 15:12 Post count: 5]

in reply to: 3. What is the role of women in the executive positions of local sports entities? #918

Can women in executive positions act as role models in their communities to encourage other women to do sports?

Sport represents a sector through which women and men can improve negotiation skills and leadership, that are vital particularly for women’s empowerment. Resources thus deal with barriers preventing gender equality in in sport organisations. Stressing the importance of having the presence of women on , of having influential board roles by women and commitment to equality in governance as equal participation by both men and women. You can find useful information and data on available datasets on the participation of women on sports governing bodies at European and some Member State levels: Analysing gender dynamics in sport governance: A new regimes-based approach.
Women in executive position act as a strong role-model in their communities, showing a positive female image. At same time the media can plays an influential role in creating images of both women and men. Sports coverage in the media is in many ways dominated by the coverage of men’s rather than women’s participation, which can be mirrored in the traditional public perception that men are active, athletic and cover relevant positions, and women, by exclusion, not. To name just one example for the importance of this matter, studies have shown that girls frequently drop out of organised sports as teenagers and this has, at least to some extent, been explained by the absence of women as role models in the sports media and sport field in general. If this is the case, the girls are missing out on a wide variety of positive benefits associated with sports participation, such as higher self esteem, more positive body image, higher grades and lower levels of anxiety and depression.

[irsbolognaParticipant 5 April 2019 at 15:11 Post count: 5]

in reply to: 6. Planning for disabilities: What kind of infrastructure/facilities women/people with disabilities need to be encouraged/capable to do sport outdoors? #917

The design and construction of leisure and outdoor sports spaces should contemplate what kind of situations to be effectively accessible to all? Is it enough to eliminate physical barriers or are there other areas, namely, socially and culturally, that we need to intervene?

Girls and women with a disability are less likely than others to participate in sport at all levels and a number of reasons have been identified for these lower participation rates: beliefs about the role and importance of physical activity: internal barriers of individual motivation; and external barriers to participation, in particular lack of opportunity. Physical barriers are often identified as the main area of focus to increasing physical activity and sport opportunities but removing physical barriers will not automatically increase participation and there is the need to increase social and cultural interventions. From a policy point of view, it is thus important to promote girls and women with a disability as role models through publicity materials. At the same time, it would be very useful to provide opportunities for women with a disability to become coaches or part of the staff team and/or to train all staff to be confident and competent in coaching and working with people with a disability. These, together with active consultation with disability organisations, will enhance the possibility of adapting any sport session to include a member with a disability.

[irsbolognaParticipant 5 April 2019 at 15:10 Post count: 5]

in reply to: 4. A child-friendly approach so that women can bring their children with them to the venue. #916

Please provide good examples and initiatives. What are the facilities and services offered at the local level?

Women tend to have less leisure time than men as they take on the greater burden of responsibility for housework, childcare and care of elderly or infirm relatives. This is one of the key reasons for not taking part in sport. Women also cite lack of childcare facilities as a major factor discouraging them from taking part in sport and physical activity. This means that , from a policy point of view, it is crucial to investigate options for the provision of childcare, or help with childcare costs, and adopt a child-friendly approach so that women can bring their children with them to the venue. Other facilities and services could also be that of providing crèche facilities and/or providing classes for toddlers and children, either with or separate from their parents, so that the adults can bring their children along when they go to exercise. For example, parents and baby aerobic classes could incorporate exercises like lunges with pushchairs, encouraging participants to see how they can incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. Finally, making physical activity a part of the working day can help address the lack of time so many women experience. For example, lunchtime walking, running or exercise groups, supported by the employer, can help staff to fit physical activity into a busy working day. A good example of practice could be “Mums on the run” initiative. It is a program designed with a special focus on the needs of mums, which offers guidance, advice and solutions to help mums across the country in enjoying the physiological, social and psychological benefits of getting out and being active. The possibility of taking the baby to the class in the buggy and the flexible organization of the trainings make easier for participants combining childcare with physical exercises.

[irsbolognaParticipant 5 April 2019 at 15:06 Post count: 5]

in reply to: 1. What do women expect from municipal governance to increase their motivation to practice regular physical activity? #914

What kind of policies do you feel needed in order to increase the women involvement in local sport field?

Women’s participation in sport was recognised by the Beijing Declaration and The Platform for Action as an history marked by division and discrimination but also by important advances for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls (Women, gender equality and sport: Published to promote the goals of The Beijing Declaration and The Platform for Action). From this point onwards, mainstreaming gender into the sport field became part of policy and legislative European documents. For example, you can consult the following documents that provide an overview on policies and practices around Europe: “Women, gender equality and sport: Published to promote the goals of The Beijing Declaration and The Platform for Action”, “Conclusions on gender equality in sport : Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting Brussels”, “Gender equality in sports: Access for Girls and Women to Sport Practices” .

• This reply was modified 5 years ago by  irsbologna.

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