A person’s ability to participate well in sports can have a positive impact on their social, mental, and physical health. Sports for women are just as vital as those for males. It has been noted that female athletes have improved personalities and are in good health. In comparison to other women, they possess greater financial stability and empowerment.
WOMEN’S INTEREST IN SPORTS
Sports have not received the attention they need since they are viewed as extracurricular pursuits and pastimes. In Pakistan, ninety percent of women and girls do not participate in sports or other physical activity. Cricket (65.59%) has the greatest participation rate, followed by table tennis (14.52%), badminton (35.95%), bike (24.19%), tennis (17.20%), and basketball (17.59%). Table 3: What, though, are the things that really stand in the way of women wanting to become professional athletes?
Elements related to religion
The results obtained with the SCSRFQ demonstrate that religion does not prevent women from participating in sports, despite the majority of earlier research suggesting otherwise. To address this issue, people need to question the unspoken yet misleading Islamic rules.
Cultural Aspects
Cultural obstacles have been a hindrance to women’s sports involvement. In our society, women are expected to take care of the home and raise the next generation. On the other hand, outdoor activities are promoted for men. Parental worry of “what people will say” keeps their daughters from pursuing professional sports. Issues such as body image, peer pressure, and physical health difficulties might pose barriers, even in the event that a girl is fortunate enough to compete in sports. In this sense, the media ought to promote women’s sports participation and raise awareness of its significance.
Socioeconomic Elements
Girls must search elsewhere for athletics because schools and institutions don’t offer enough chances. Most of the time, families struggle to make ends meet and are unable to pay for their girls to attend a sports academy. Since the playgrounds are typically located far from homes, many families are unable to afford the transportation facilities that are required. On the other hand, giving them chances at universities and schools helps promote female athletes.
Inequality of Gender
In Pakistan, where there is a strong patriarchal culture, women face discrimination in many spheres of life, including athletics. Though gender equality is widely acknowledged, there is a big difference between acknowledging it and really putting it into practice. Women’s sports are frequently eclipsed by men’s sports. The fact that only 10 Pakistani women competed in the Olympics between 1896 and 2016 illustrates how rare it is for women to participate in sports. This is because men have access to more resources, opportunities, and media coverage than women have. In this world where men predominate, women need to speak up and fight for their rights.
Inability to access resources and opportunities
In our nation, women have less possibilities than males in the sports industry since men have access to greater resources. There is less exposure and acknowledgment for female athletes. Sports participation among women is still in its infancy since there aren’t enough playgrounds, coaches, or mentors, and there aren’t enough sports-specific equipment. A lack of funding for women’s tournaments prevents many gifted women from achieving their goals. In 2020, for example, the Pakistan Cricket Board gave women only 5% of its budget while giving men 19%. Furthermore, the match fees paid to male and female sportsmen differ significantly.
Absence of media attention
Women’s involvement in sports is influenced by the media. The absence of media coverage is one of the main issues with women’s sports involvement. The main focus of the media is on the lives, training, and competitions of well-known male athletes. For women, there are remarkably few role models. Without a doubt, Pakistan boasts a number of gifted female athletes who have represented their country with pride abroad. The issue is that, unfortunately, they don’t receive the respect and credit they merit.The media should take the lead in promoting the stories of sportswomen who have achieved success in the industry in order to address the other factors. Fans and the general public may be impressed by this, leading to an increase in the number of people who will permit their wives, daughters, and sisters to pursue professions in sports. Women should also take a stand and advocate for their rights in this largely male-dominated society.
