Women and girls in sport
Sport has the power to change lives. It can open doors far beyond the playing field and drive gender equality by empowering girls to practice teamwork, self-reliance, resilience, and confidence. From local communities to global competitions, women in sport continue to defy gender stereotypes and social norms, make inspiring role models, and show men and women as equals.
At UN Women, we see sport as a powerful platform to advance gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights. Our work connects sport to key issues affecting women and girls including violence against women and girls, expanding women’s economic opportunities, and supporting women’s leadership.
Women’s sport is viewed more than ever
Equality gaps in sports
Through its sport strategy UN Women is:
Strengthening policies, opportunities and programmes to make sport safer and more inclusive for women and girls.
Championing compelling narratives and building consensus on gender equality in sport and through sport.
Empowering movements and fostering coalitions to challenge harmful stereotypes and inspire new generations.
The 2024 Paris Olympics was the first Olympic Games in history to reach equal participation from men and women athletes. As the world prepares for FIFA World Cup this summer in the United States of America (USA), FIFA Women’s Football World Cup 2027 in Brazil and LA 2028 Summer Olympics in the USA, UN Women is working with partners to achieve gender equality in and off the field.
Five things to know about women and sport
Women’s sport is breaking records, drawing massive global audiences, and reshaping culture far beyond the field. But despite growing visibility and investment, major inequalities in pay, leadership, media coverage, and safety remain.
Discover key facts about the rise of women’s sport and the barriers still holding women athletes back.
How to keep girls playing sport
Millions of girls drop out of sport during adolescence, held back by sexism, safety concerns, lack of support, and outdated stereotypes. Yet staying in sport can boost confidence, leadership, mental health, and lifelong opportunities.
Explore what’s pushing girls out of the game and what it will take to keep them playing.
Facts and figures: Women in sport
Packed stadiums. Billion-dollar media deals. Record audiences. Women’s sport is growing rapidly around the world, but major gaps in pay, leadership, media coverage, and safety remain.
Explore the latest facts and figures on women in sport.
Tackling violence against women and girls in sport: A handbook for policy makers and sports practitioners
