Evening the playing field: women’s sport as a vehicle for human rights

Since the days of the first Olympics in Ancient Greece, women have been barred entry into sports and have fought for their place on the field. That fight continues throughout the world today, with varying levels of success. With the right to equal opportunity in sports comes equal opportunity in other human rights, and women are demanding access to both. This paper will explore the correlation between women’s equal opportunity in sporting events and other human rights. First, this paper will examine the history of women’s rights in sports, including legislation around the world either denying or guaranteeing equal access. Second, this paper will analyze the link between women’s participation in athletics and other human rights, focusing on equal pay, bodily autonomy, and education. Finally, this paper will discuss the hurdles modern women are facing in their fight for equality both on and off the field, including social perception, classism, and objectification.

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