Catalonia’s Gender Equality Policies in Sports

Abstract

Historically, the presence of women at different levels and in different sectors of sports in Catalonia has been limited by gender stereotypes and by the weight that traditional male roles have in our society. Currently, in spite of the remarkable improvements achieved, the situation of women is not comparable with their male counterparts, which is why gender equality policies in sports are still indispensable. The aim of this article is, firstly, to provide a brief framework that conceptualises the origin of Catalan gender equality policy in sports and, secondly, to analyse in depth the “Programa Dones i Esports” (Women and Sports Programme) — the document that sets policy trends on this matter in Catalonia. In order to complement these two aims, international and national policies that help better understand the programme developed in Catalonia are presented. Proposals suggested in the mentioned policies are also included as measures that could be potentially implemented at the Catalan level. It is concluded that, even though important achievements have been made, there are still challenges in the six strategic areas established in “Programa Dones i Esports” and there is also the need to carry out systematic and continuous evaluations of the actions promoted within the framework of this sports policy.

Keywords

• public policies
• sport
• gender equality