Violence Against Women and Girls in Sports: A Systemic and Systematic Human Rights Issue

The Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, has highlighted the alarming rates of violence faced by women and girls in sports, calling it a “serious, systemic and systematic human rights issue that demands immediate attention at all levels.” Alsalem addressed reporters today, detailing the various forms of violence, including sexual violence, coercion, gender pay gap, gender stereotypes, patriarchal structures, abusive coaches, and the lack of robust policies and mechanisms to address abuses and protect victims.

According to Alsalem, women and girls in sports face multiple forms of violence, including economic, physical, psychological, coercive control, online violence, and neglect, particularly in sports like gymnastics. The report also identifies the most common perpetrators of violence, including state and non-state actors, such as coaches, professional colleagues, family members, managers, spectators, and policymakers.

Alsalem emphasized that states can also be complicit in these acts of violence when they fail to prevent, prosecute, and sanction them. She noted that the autonomy of sports organizations has contributed to a culture of silence and injustice, as they prioritize reputation and winning over justice and accountability to victims.

The Special Rapporteur also highlighted the impact of the intrusion of males who identify as female in female-only sports categories and spaces, which has further eroded the ability of women and girls to play sports in a safe, dignified, and fair environment.

Alsalem’s report is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the systemic and systematic violence faced by women and girls in sports. The international community must come together to ensure that women and girls can participate in sports without fear of violence, coercion, or discrimination.