Femcities Conferences
Municipality of Linkoping
Sexism in sports perpetuates gender inequalities by reinforcing stereotypes, limiting opportunities, and fostering a culture of discrimination within athletic domains. From unequal pay and media representation to discriminatory practices and attitudes, the challenges of sexism in sports underscore the broader struggle for gender equality, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies, equal opportunities, and a shift in societal perceptions regarding the capabilities and roles of women in athletic pursuits.
The Swedish city of Linkoping hosted a new edition of the SM-veckan multi-sports event whose goal was to be the most gender-equal one of this type ever. The weeklong national championship took place from 28 June to 3 July 2022 and included various initiatives to advance gender equality in sports. Free sanitary products were made available on toilets used by athletes and visitors, while trainers were dedicated to encourage people to try out disciplines which are traditionally regarded as a sports for the other sex. Moreover, the municipality cooperated with local media to ensure an equal amount of screen time for both women’s and men’s sports.
By implementing these measures at SM-veckan, the Municipality of Linkoping was determined to contribute to creating an equal and inclusive sports environment where gender is not considered a barrier nor an exclusion tool. Such events do not only showcase and celebrate the talents of both male and female athletes but also contribute to changing societal attitudes towards gender roles, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring future generations to pursue sports without the constraints of gender-based biases.
Municipality of Linkoping - Homepage
Sports and Gender Equality - Project
