BREAKING BOUNDARIES: WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS AS A CATALYST FOR EMPOWERMENT AND SOCIAL CHANGE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59415/mjacs.382Keywords:
Women’s Empowerment, Gender Equality, Sports Leadership, Cultural Barriers, Social Change, Media RepresentationAbstract
Women’s involvement in sports is increasingly recognized as a strong force for empowerment and social transformation. Sports can help challenge gender roles, build confidence, and provide leadership opportunities for women across the globe. Despite clear benefits, many women still face barriers like cultural beliefs, poor infrastructure, and limited support. This chapter explores how sports promote personal growth, community development, and gender equality. It covers the history of women in sports, present-day participation patterns, and the roles of education, media, and policy in shaping fair sports environments. It also includes examples from both global and Indian contexts. The chapter argues that sports are not just physical activities but tools for health, identity, and political voice. With the right support—such as safe spaces, equal funding, and media recognition—sports can be a major part of building a more inclusive and empowered society. Actionable strategies are discussed, including the importance of inclusive infrastructure, female leadership in sports, and community outreach programs.
Downloads
References
• Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10(1), 98.
• International Olympic Committee. (2020). Women in the Olympic Movement.
• Pfister, G. (2010). Women in sport – gender relations and future perspectives. Sport in Society, 13(2), 234-248.
• Sabo, D., &Veliz, P. (2008). Go Out and Play: Youth Sports in America. Women's Sports Foundation.
• UNESCO. (2015). Gender Equality and Sport.
• UN Women. (2022). Sports for Generation Equality.
• Ware, S. (2011). Title IX: A Brief History with Documents. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Women’s Sports Foundation. (2018). Chasing Equity: The Triumphs, Challenges, and Opportunities in Sports for Girls and Women.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Bhaskara. J
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
License Statement
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Authors who publish with mLAC Journal for Arts, Commerce and Sciences (m-JACS) retain copyright of their articles and grant the journal the right of first publication.
This license allows others to share, use, and build upon the work—commercially or non-commercially—as long as appropriate credit is given to the original authors and source, and any changes are indicated.
The journal encourages open access and supports the free exchange of knowledge while ensuring proper attribution of original work.
