#GenderEqualOlympics

Sports have long been a catalyst of positive change to promote values for social welfare. Paris 2024 has been an immense shift for gender parity. For girls, the benefits of participating in sports extend far beyond physical fitness. Girls who do sports are more likely to delay pregnancy, secure better jobs, and shatter glass ceilings as they are raised open-minded considering other teenage girls who are taught to do housework.

Women’s leadership in sports is pivotal for driving gender equality. 41 percent of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members are now female, a 100 percent increase since 2013. Gender-equal representation on IOC commissions was achieved in 2022 and FIFA has committed to ensuring each of its 211 member associations has at least a female executive committee member by 2026. However, gaps still exist. Only 26.9 percent of executive roles in international federations are held by women, and just three of 31 federations are led by female presidents. The 2023 Women’s World Cup awarded $150 million in prize money—a 300 percent increase from 2019 but still a fraction of the $440 million awarded at the men’s World Cup in Qatar 2022. Sponsorship deals for female athletes have surged by 22 per cent annually, with stars like WNBA’s Caitlin Clark securing multi-million-dollar endorsements. Yet, no women made Forbes’ 2024 list of the 100 highest-paid athletes, and elite women athletes earn, on average, just 1 percent of what their male counterparts make.

It is significant to note benefits of sport events on breaking the boundaries between genders. However, even by the 21st century organizations are behind to consider gender equality. 

International Olympic Committee. “#GenderEqualOlympics: Paris 2024 making history on the field of play.” 28 July 2024

https://olympics.com/ioc/news/genderequalolympics-paris-2024-making-history-on-the-field-of-play. Accessed 13 January 2025.