A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in local and international conferences on equality and sport. Although there have been reflections on very diverse issues, today I want to write about the participation of women in the decision-making spaces of sport. An expert in law pointed out that the setting up of “women and sport” commissions in sports federations is a form of segregation that women should use in the boards of directors, rather than using the commissions dealing with women’s issues as political laundering.
At first I can agree with this statement, however, studies and experiences have taught us that as long as the institutional culture does not change, structural changes do not guarantee innovations or changes that promote equality of women and men in themselves, especially with regard to the measures to be implemented to improve the situation of women athletes.
As long as the culture of sports federations and clubs is not changed, I believe it is essential to set up committees or decision-making bodies specific to women so that women themselves make decisions about their sport.
There is no doubt that the presence of women in decision-making bodies is very important, among other reasons because they give the structures a more permeable and diverse aspect. But it is so important to ensure that the gender perspective is taken into account in decisions. And unfortunately, the absence of it has been the root of the many injustices that women have endured for a long time in the sports field. In addition, on many occasions, the few women who participate in the boards of directors tend to explain two positions: entering into the prevailing male culture, perpetuating it; or, if there is no possibility of empowerment, if the feelings of loneliness are taken into account, giving in.
Therefore, in some cases it is appropriate to apply both strategies. As long as the culture of sports federations and clubs is not changed, I believe it is essential to set up committees or decision-making bodies specific to women so that women themselves make decisions about their sport, including design, organisation, management, conditions, etc. And there are athletes who would need it, for example, remers, soccer players and pelotaris. It is no coincidence that these are sports traditionally considered masculine.
And with all this in mind, I would say to those who oppose quotas that they invent absurd arguments with no basis to spend less energy and that they actually work to promote equality between women and men in sport.