On Wednesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations headquarters in New York, urging global leaders to intensify efforts to close the gender gap in sports. He stressed the critical need to promote women’s rights and ensure equal opportunities for female athletes worldwide.
Türk outlined the significant challenges faced by women in sports, including:
- Lower pay compared to their male counterparts
- Fewer sponsorships and limited media coverage
- Scarce leadership roles within sports organizations
He called on member states to adopt policies that guarantee:
- Equal funding for women’s sports
- Access to training facilities without restrictions
- Representation in decision-making positions in sports bodies
Türk emphasized that sports serve as a vital platform for advancing gender equality. He encouraged the full and fair participation of women and girls in all sports disciplines, highlighting that female athletes currently receive less than 20% of global sports sponsorships and prize money, which demonstrates a persistent imbalance.
The High Commissioner acknowledged positive recent developments such as the introduction of mixed-gender events and increased media coverage for women’s sports, but insisted that much more progress is necessary.
This call to action is timely, preceding major international sporting events this year like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Summer Olympics, which provide prime opportunities to showcase gender equality advancements. Türk urged governments, sports federations, and the private sector to collaborate and invest significantly in women’s sports programs.
Reactions to the speech were immediate and supportive. Several UN member states reaffirmed their dedication, including Kenya’s Sports Minister, who declared readiness to take concrete steps to dismantle barriers for women.
Advocacy groups welcomed the message as a landmark step toward combating systemic inequalities, demanding:
- Greater transparency in sports funding allocation
- Enhanced protections against discrimination and harassment
With the world’s attention on upcoming high-profile tournaments, the United Nations’ call aims to prompt tangible change. Achieving equality in sports will not only empower athletes but also inspire younger generations and foster social cohesion across the globe.
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