Sexual Harassment Allegations Against WFI President

In the field of sports, despite noteworthy progress, gender disparities linger. Recent allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), have brought this issue back into the limelight. The Sports Ministry has demanded an explanation from the WFI within 72 hours. In case of non-compliance, further action will be initiated according to the National Sports Development Code, 2011. For highlighting the need for gender equality and safer conditions for sportswomen, it’s crucial to discuss the challenges they face and possible solutions.

The Extent of Sexual Harassment in Sports: A RTI Report

Data retrieved through the Right to Information act reveals that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment lodged with the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Alarmingly, of these, 29 were against coaches. The resolution of these cases has been sluggish and lenient in many instances with the accused being punished lightly. This situation is not unique to India. In Germany, the Federal Parliament’s Sports Committee conducted a public hearing on violence in sports, including emotional, physical, and sexualized forms, in May 2021.

Gender Disparity: Challenges Sportswomen Face

The challenges faced by sportswomen are multifaceted. They range from insufficient funding, rampant sexism, gender disparity, accessibility issues, safety concerns, social attitudes disfigurement, poor quality training, lack of positive role models, limited media coverage, to managing pregnancy and maternity. These factors disproportionately affect sportswomen’s opportunities for growth, their ability to enjoy the sport, and subsequently discourages participation.

A Case for Increased Women Participation in Sports

Greater participation of women in sports is imperative for numerous reasons. Sports contribute positively to physical and mental health for both genders. For women, staying active during adolescence and young adulthood can reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life by 20%. Additionally, gender parity can be achieved through balanced participation in sports, fostering economic empowerment by creating more opportunities for education and employment. Breaking down societal stereotypes, increasing representation, and promoting community-building are also possible through wider women’s involvement in sports.

Safeguard Measures Against Sexual Harassment

Several protective measures exist to combat sexual harassment, such as The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box), National Commission for Women (NCW), and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), 2012. However, their function needs to be reassessed given the slow resolution rate and lenient outcomes observed thus far.

Way Forward

While efforts have been made to promote women’s participation in sports, there is still a significant gap in achieving gender parity in sports participation and representation. It’s key that a holistic approach is adopted, focusing on infrastructure development, talent identification, organization of regular sports events, and grass-root level awareness. The journey towards gender equity in sports must continue with tenacity and renewed urgency.