Females face many barriers in the sport. Historically, women were not allowed to play in professional sports leagues or compete at high levels. They were deemed too frail to compete in high-impact sports, and were too busy keeping house. There were only three professions that women could choose from in sports: teaching, secretarial, or crossing guard.
Opportunities are less
Many women are less likely to be involved in sports than their male peers. Many attribute this inequity to the negative social stigma associated female athletes. This stigma isn't limited to certain geographical regions or conferences. It can also refer to the fact that girls from low-income families often lack the resources and opportunities for sport.
Media attention less
Even though female athletes make up over two-fifths in professional athletes, media attention is still much lower than for their male counterparts. This is despite the fact female athletes work just as hard as male athletes. In general, female sports receive fewer media coverage than male sports, with more focus placed on appearance and talent rather than on team and individual accomplishment.
Less expectations
A variety of factors may influence women's participation. Female athletes tend to have lower barriers to entry than those of the opposite gender. These differences may be related to biological differences or the differential socialization of boys and girls.
Transgender women compete in sports
Since the IOC first introduced trans policies nearly two decades ago, lawmakers have sought to ban transgender females from playing recreational sports. Transgender women are subject to disproportionate discrimination, harassment, violence and so attempts to ban them from playing recreational sports are transphobic, dangerous and counterproductive.
Title IX
Title IX, which is a federal law, protects women's sports rights. Women from historically underrepresented groups have not been able to benefit as much from Title IX. According to a Women's Sports Foundation study, girls from predominantly minorities schools have 67% more athletic opportunities than girls from predominantly white schools. This compares to 82% who have access to these opportunities for girls.
Flo's advocacy for females in sports
Flo McLean grew to be the seventh child in a family that had eleven. From an early age, she was told that she must move quickly to achieve what she desired. After her parents split, she moved with the mother to Watts, a densely populated and under-resourced neighborhood. She discovered the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation which offered athletic opportunities to the youth of the area.