فرصت ها و چالش های ورزش زنان در کشورهای اسلامی

Abstract

The barriers to participation for Muslim women are not hugely different from those faced by many women. Sport is attractive for almost every one, but this attractive world is completely dominated by men in Islamic countries. The first question that strikes the mind is that:<br><br>"Has Quran, Hadith or any Islamic principle prevented women from physical activities?"<br><br>And the answer is quite simple…"Absolutely not…"<br><br>Although the Islamic law, sets several bounds that indirectly impact women's appearance in sport communities, definitely, Holy Quran and Islamic texts promote good health, fitness and healthy life style and encourage Muslims to engage in physical activities, regardless to their gender.<br><br>In some countries, mostly Islamic nations, which culture is merged with religion women's sport is regarded as being in conflict with Islamic values and traditional concept of femininity. On the other hand the term "Muslim women in sport" appears to be a great paradox for many people in the west.<br><br>Unfortunately, sometimes women are perceived as being mothers and housewives much more than being an athlete. But this issue should never be ignored that physical activity has positive impact on women health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases in later life and consequently brings healthy mothers to society…<br><br>Culture of male domination of sport, itself, is a barrier. To overcome this barrier, coaches and women themselves should try to combine physical and artistic activities to promote active lifestyle.<br><br>Disability on performing some physical activities is often disappointing to women. Employing coaching staff who know how to adapt training methods, is so helpful to individuals take part in enjoyable physical activities. <br><br>Risk of harassment arises from a combination of factors as weak organizational control and easily could be prevented by doing a safety assessment and being vigilant.<br><br>In addition, there is an imbalance in the media coverage in the media coverage of women's sport and mostly women have the sense that they don't belong in the world of sport. It is true that Islamic beliefs and culture are inconsistent with showing some women's games but covering the news of events could be inspiring.<br><br>On average, about a third of girls do not like others to see how they look like while participating in sport. It should be seriously mentioned that coaches should not force athletes to wear specific clothing and let them free.<br><br>Overcoming economical barriers, demands flexibility from club managers and family men. Considering different payment options like short-term debits instead of annual subscription and discounts are remedies for lack of money. In addition, most of families in Islamic nations are single income, so social promotions can convince families that women's sport is a need, not time wasting at all.<br><br>Media coverage is a very strong lever to absorb sponsors and spectator support and somehow solves a portion of funding problems. <br><br>Although it's not easy to make a distinction between social and cultural issues, some barriers as lack of time and illiteracy should be overcome through social solutions. Researches show that almost 3.5 hours of a woman's day is taken up with domestic works. Providing childcare facilities or classes for toddlers would be a great help for mothers to attend sport sessions.<br><br>Resolving other issues related to public transport system, illiteracy and accessibility of sport facilities, entails Islamic governments' determination to pave the way for women's entry to the field of sports by making long-term and strategic decisions.<br><br>All of us should try to bring forward the day forward in which anyone, with any gender and any ethnicity would be engaged in sport.