A call for gender sensitization in sports for women athletes

In modern India, gender inequality is still dynamically evident in sports. The discrimination is more socio-psychological, stemming from inherent stigma compounded by centuries and internalized misogyny. Even though sports is a place for development and growth, it proves to be a locus for regression and prejudice for most women.

With the expansion in popularity of Women's Cricket, it is essential that institutions embody gender sensitization and efface any gender-sensitive practices.   

The goal of gender sensitization is to address gender equality issues. It is especially needed in women's cricket for associations and cricket boards to understand that women's cricket in India needs a different approach to succeed.

Indian society intrinsically is discriminatory towards women. And sports is dictated by wider sexism and gender biases. As a result, sports is viewed as unsuitable for women, and Indian culture has disempowered young girls from participating. 

The sphere is believed to be something that men' naturally' belong to and that women's sports are 'less entertaining'. These regressive 'ideas' culminate and ultimately seep into women's sports.

Gender equity in sports is a complex issue. Female inferiority is an intrinsic trait in sports: to 'run like a girl' or to 'throw like a girl' is used as a common term used to display disappointment by coaches and peers alike.

The notion that men are 'stronger' and 'better' has been used to justify women's exclusion from sports. In the past, the idea that women's sports could never be as successful as men's was enough to disempower women's participation. However, it is to be understood that men's and women's sports have always been and will be different, and a separate system needs to be put into place to ensure their success.

Indian captain and cricket legend Mithali Raj stated that she had faced immense backlash from distant relatives and people she had known as a young girl. She had scars on her face due to injuries sustained while playing cricket, and people would point out to them and say that she looked ugly. 

She would also be told that she had gotten darker because of playing in the sun all day and that no one would marry her. She expresses her gratitude to her parents, who shielded her from all society's blows and nasty comments.

India's vice captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, also opened up about her early struggles. She mentioned that there had been a lot of opposition from relatives and family friends. They could not fathom the idea of a girl playing cricket. 

She stated that she would get teased by her brothers about the scope in women's cricket; 'are you going to open with Sehwag?' is something her brother and his friends would say. 

While dropping her off for an international tour, her family friends would advise her only to score singles and doubles because they believed girls could not clear the ropes. Kaur thoroughly and ruthlessly proved everyone wrong.

Women's participation in sports leads to them having a stronger self-image and increased confidence and gives them control of their own life; because society is designed to make women feel inferior, powerless and weak. It gives them opportunities to connect with their bodies and assures them that their bodies can carry out rigorous physical activities with ease.

Inculcating gender equality and sensitization in sports will break down deleterious practices and stereotypes. Furthermore, it would lead to the empowerment of female athletes and pave the way for younger girls to take up sports without worrying about discrimination and gender-sensitive problems.

Although women's sports have come a long way since the past decade, institutions mustn't lose sight of gender-sensitive issues that still persist. Moreover, equality needs to culminate on all levels. 

Local sporting clubs especially play an essential role in it. They need to make sure that they confer young girls the same opportunities as young boys. Women need to be given access to opportunities at the local levels. State associations need to modify their structure to benefit women and eliminate unnecessary obstacles.

The change also starts at home; parents need to empower young girls to take up sports and discourage any disempowering intrusions. Albeit, Indian sportswomen, have had their fair share of struggles, they have continued to illuminate the path to glory.