WAR OF SEXES IN SPORTING DISCIPLINES: A BLOW AT EQUALITY, FAIRNESS AND FEMINISM

Abstract

The advocates of human rights speak highly of giving women equal opportunities by recognizing the International mandate to safeguard their rights and yet, a premier institution such as that of International Olympic Committee, gives importance to the distinctions that act as a hindrance in her growth process. This trend reflects deepening discrimination to such levels that it suppresses a woman’s dream of moving ahead in life. The paper focuses on biasness in distribution of events for women particularly in Olympic Games.  Imagine giving yourself completely to a sporting discipline, so much that you work day and night to convert the dream of becoming something great into a reality. Dreams, aspirations, hard work do not see the sex of a person but one’s gender has become a great deal when it comes to sports. The concept of Intelligible Differentia applies to women and works for their empowerment but protecting women is different from restraining them to display their skills. No doubt, separate events are justifiable due to biological differences between the two sexes but where physical strength does not play a primary role and emphasis is more on strategy, skills and tactics, segregation will lead to inequality. This distinction has given rise to social inequality, Gender Stereotyping in Televised Sports and ultimately, acceptability of women in sports. Despite having Olympic Charter and Code on Sports, nothing substantial is being done to improve the participation of women in Sports. However, in Olympics 2020, to be held in Tokyo, efforts have been made to improve gender equality with highest ever number of women’s events. This is just the beginning; a lot has to be done in this regard.