The Evolution of Women in Sports

Photo by Mōhai Peloso

A Historical Look at Progress, Barriers, and the Future of Female Athletics

Abstract

Women’s participation in organized sports has expanded rapidly over the last century. This article examines the barriers women faced, the legislative and cultural milestones that supported their progress, the growth of professional opportunities, and the challenges that continue to shape women’s athletics today.

The Early Struggles for Inclusion

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, cultural norms placed strict limits on women’s physical activity. Many physicians and educators argued that vigorous exercise endangered women’s health or undermined femininity (Cahn, 2015). Because of these assumptions, athletic programs for women focused on noncompetitive activities such as: calisthenics, croquet, and archery.

Even with these restrictions, pioneering athletes challenged expectations. Alice Milliat advocated for women’s inclusion in global competitions by forming the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale in 1921 (Hargreaves, 1994). In the United States, Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias excelled across several sports and shifted public perceptions of women’s athletic potential.

Title IX and the Acceleration of Progress

The passage of Title IX in 1972 marked a transformative moment in women’s sports. The law required gender equity in federally funded educational programs, including athletics. Following its implementation, participation increased dramatically. High school sports for girls expanded from fewer than 300,000 athletes in 1971 to more than 3.4 million today (Women’s Sports Foundation, 2020).

At the collegiate level, Title IX broadened scholarship opportunities, financial support, and access to competitive platforms. These changes strengthened athletic pipelines and enabled more women to pursue professional careers and compete internationally.

Breaking Barriers in Professional Sports

Women’s professional sports have gained visibility through the creation of leagues such as the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Global competitions have also boosted public engagement—events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup set record viewership numbers and increased investment in women’s athletics (FIFA, 2019).

Athletes such as Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Megan Rapinoe have emerged as influential figures who use their platforms to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, and mental health awareness. However, inequities persist. Studies indicate that women’s sports receive less than ten percent of all sports media coverage, along with significantly lower pay compared to men’s leagues (Cooky et al., 2021).

The Role of Media and Cultural Shifts

Media representation shapes public attitudes toward women athletes. Historically, coverage highlighted appearance and femininity rather than athletic performance (Fink, 2015). Today, social media enables athletes to share their own stories and showcase their accomplishments.

Streaming services and digital platforms have further increased visibility by expanding audiences and attracting sponsorships. These developments have contributed to growing recognition of women’s sports.

Continuing Challenges and Future Directions

Although progress has been substantial, several challenges remain. Current concerns include unequal pay, inconsistent access to training facilities, limited sponsorships, and variable media representation. Discussions about gender identity, inclusion in sports, and athlete safety also continue to shape policy and public debate (Travers, 2018).

Looking ahead, increasing participation rates, expanding global investment, and a more engaged fan base indicate that women’s sports will continue to grow both competitively and culturally.

Conclusion

The evolution of women in sports reflects broader movements toward equality and representation. From early pioneers to contemporary champions, women athletes have redefined expectations and expanded opportunities in athletics. As institutional support strengthens and cultural attitudes shift, women’s sports are positioned for continued advancement and increased visibility.

References 

Cahn, S. K. (2015). Coming on strong: Gender and sexuality in twentieth-century women’s sport (2nd ed.). Harvard University Press.

Cooky, C., Messner, M. A., Musto, M., & Hextrum, K. (2021). One and done? The long fight for gender and racial equality in televised sports news and highlights shows. Communication & Sport, 9(3), 535–561.

FIFA. (2019). Women’s World Cup 2019™: Global audience report. Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

Fink, J. S. (2015). Female athletes, women’s sport, and the sport media commercial complex: Have we really “come a long way, baby”? Sport Management Review, 18(3), 331–342.

Hargreaves, J. (1994). Sporting females: Critical issues in the history and sociology of women’s sports. Routledge.

Travers, A. (2018). The sports body in feminist research: A sociological perspective. Palgrave Macmillan.

Women’s Sports Foundation. (2020). Chasing equity: The triumphs, challenges, and opportunities in sports for girls and women. Women’s Sports Foundation.