The participation of females in organised sport as a Constitutional right : the case of the Dr.Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality

Abstract

Female’s participation in organised sport contributes to an equal opportunity in sport, and thus transformation affects their participation. Regional and international policies play a central role in sport and demonstrate the importance of empowering and promoting female participation in organised sport. The primary objective of the study is to determine the causes of the level of the participation of females in organised sport. Specifically to determine the issues that contribute to the level of female’s participation in organised sport within the North West Province. Furthermore, establishing the level of female’s participation within the North West Province in the organised sport. The research problem consequently is that due to the lack of support and empowerment for females, it appears that the participation level of females in organised sport is at a lower level, as opposed to the strong participation of males. The study used participants from the four municipalities (Matlosana, Tlokwe, Ventersdorp and Maquassi Hills) within the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District. The conclusion has drawn from the research empirical study, through a questionnaire and focus group discussions, revealed anticipated and unanticipated results. Female incompetency is not a contributory factor for gender imbalanced representation in the sport structures but socio-economic factors often is a significant cause for gender imbalances as females are expected to fulfil the traditional role of housekeeping and cooking. A lack of gender equity accounts for the low number of females participating in organised sport. Results obtained from females and males indicate that practical barriers significantly have a bigger influence (negatively) on their participation in sport. The absence of sporting equipment and facilities, identified in the study, discourages participation and deprives females’ access into the sport environment. Creating proper financial support, better sporting environment by the federation is central to uplifting females’ participation in sport. The responsibility to promote female participation resides with every citizen but most importantly with females themselves to ensure that their presence in sport equals that of the country populace.