At a global level, the number of women participants in the field of sports was very limited before 1970. During ancient times, the situation was worse. At that time, women were not allowed to even watch the Olympic Games. But the number of women participants at the international level has increased extensively during the last four decades.
It is evident in the Olympics, World Cups, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, European Championships, etc. But even then the number of women participants in sports is still less in comparison to men, especially in India. The following reasons may be responsible for low participation of women in sports.
- Lack of Legislation: In 1972, a legislation was passed in the United States of America in which a provision was made to provide financial aid to all the educational institutions. As a matter of fact this legislation was passed to prevent discrimination and to provide equal opportunities to women to participate in sports at all levels. Equal facilities were mandated to be provided in sports to women as in the case of men. As a result of this resolution, the participation of women in sports was enhanced evidently.
- Lack of Time: Majority of women usually have less leisure time than men because they take on greater responsibility for household work. Some of them have full time jobs to earn a living. Therefore, due to lack of time they do not participate in such activities.
- Lack of Self-confidence: Owing to social pressures, women tend to have less self-confidence in comparison to men. Indeed, self-confidence is also linked to sports competitions.
- Male-dominated Culture of Sports: As culture of sports is perceived to be male dominated, some women seem to hesitate to take part in sports activities.