An analysis of Pakistani Womens sports Participation , the factors that are discriminating against women

1. FACTORS DISCRIMINATING
PAKISTANI WOMEN’S
PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS.

2. Introduction
 Sport is defined as all forms of physical activity which,
through casual or organized participation, aim at
expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-
being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in
competitions at all levels (Council of Europe, 2001).
 It is one of the most essential things for everyone. There
are many positive outcomes of these activities and
sports; these can be enjoyed by both, men and women
(Noon, 2014).
 There are many benefits of Sports that may help in the
lives of individuals and bring forward positive outcomes
(Dagkas, 2011).

3. Literature Review
 Globally sports are seen to be dominated by
men and there are many men in sport, be it
be individual or team sports. The games have
been engendered, separated as masculine
and feminine sports (Bucher, Wuest, 2006).
 Women can be empowered by providing
them chances to participate in sports, the
involvement in sports is helpful in polishing and
enhancing the women’s skills all matters of life
(Fassihi, 2009).

4. Cont’d
 Islam provides the same rights for men and
women in all spheres and areas of life men and
women are encouraged to help one another
(Benn, 2011).
 Women still have to face many hurdles but with
the proper support they can accomplish
whatever they put their minds to (Abbas, 2011).
 According to the Women Sports and Fitness
Foundation Report 2008, The probable causes of
low participation of women can be grouped into
three major categories Practical Barriers, Personal
barriers and Social and cultural barriers.

5. Objectives
 To find out the factors that pose as an
obstacle(s) for university level sportswomen, in
sports participation.
 To know the perception of the sportswomen
of university level regarding the attitude of
community members towards their
participation in sports.
 To find out the perception about the benefits
of being a sportswoman.

6. Methodology
 The research was qualitative in nature
 Sampling was purposive, sample was
sportswomen of university level.
 Interviews were held in one on one session to
get the responses.
 Thematic analysis was done in to see the
social and cultural discriminatory practices.

7. Major Themes Identified
 Motivation and Benefits
 Facilities and Venues
 Gender Based Discrimination
 Influence of Family Support
 Religion and women in sports
 Encouragement Strategies

8. Limitations of Research
 Time deficiency, the sample size was kept small to
work with, couldn’t interview a larger group.
 Some aspects could not be used in the interview
guide like the amount of training time, respondents
satisfaction with trainers and respondents were
given proper training time.
 Data was collected from university level sports-
women only.

9. Conclusion
 The study found that it is the socio-cultural norms like
familial values, sports being thought as to be arena
of men, lack of opportunities and lack of platforms
for sportswomen are play a vital role in the
participation of the women.
 Women have to face the stereotypical gender
based discrimination which creates hurdles in their
meaningful and active participation in sports.

10. Recommendations
 There should be appreciation of girls and women in sports,
providing motivation to the female in sports, this can help to
eliminate or decrease the discriminatory practices.
 Need to design sports courses which would be implemented
in the educational institutions for providing the knowledge to
girls at a young age.
 Female coaches and trainers should be hired for all girl teams,
creating a separate platform for women’s sports participation.
 Media should include participation of women in sports in news
as a normal concept and the gender discrimination should be
eliminated

11. Motivation and Benefits
Sports celebrities are seen as inspiration
and motivational characters.
Social Confidence after meeting people
Psychological relaxed, and positive
thinking

12. Facilities and Venues
 The facilities and venues are available to
students only by registration, but those
students who have to pitch in financially
were not as satisfied as others.

13. Gender Based Discrimination
 Gen. segregation of sports- (basket ball
net ball)- Men – Women resp.
 Priority to boys
 Low recognition of women in sports

14. Family Support
 It is essential in our society, it may differ
from one family to another.
 Needed for full consent of parent to send
their children (girls) to different areas for
tournaments, (cities, even international)

15. Religion
 Islam does not dis-approve of such
activity.
 As long as women are in proper attire
(being fully covered)

16. Encouragement strategies
 Funds from Govt. to sports depts.
 Female coaches to be hired.
 Inclining girls from young age towards
sports.
 Acknowledging the women in sports.