Tackling violence against women and girls in sport: A handbook for policy makers and sports practitioners
- Published On
- 10 Aug 2023
- Published By
- UNESCO, UN Women
- Languages
- English
- Resource Type
- Handbook
A report looking at the prevalence and drivers of violence against women and girls in sports, and how to address and eliminate it.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations, with one in three women experiencing violence in their lifetime. Within the sports sector, women and girls face specific risks, compounded by limited or ineffective prevention, reporting, and accountability mechanisms.
At the same time, sport holds tremendous potential to advance gender equality by enhancing the well-being, confidence, and leadership of girls and women. This handbook aims to build a shared understanding of the issue and support the development of effective policies to eliminate VAWG in sport.
The publication includes:
- An overview of the prevalence, drivers, and unique features of violence in the sports ecosystem.
- Testimonies from survivors and real-life examples showing the urgency of action.
- Case studies and tailored recommendations for key actors on preventing violence, protecting survivors, and ending impunity.
Adopting a holistic and survivor-centered approach, the handbook emphasizes the responsibility of sports institutions, policymakers, and communities to foster safe, inclusive environments. While high-profile cases often emerge from elite sport, violence can occur at any level, from grassroots to international competition, making these guidelines relevant across all sporting contexts.
What does the resource say about masculinity?
Who will find this resource useful?
This handbook is for policymakers and sports practitioners addressing violence against women and girls in sport, including coaches, athletes, trainers, parents, event organizers, and sports media, as well as those shaping laws and policies.
It is also useful for VAWG practitioners such as social workers, mental health professionals, legal advocates, and law enforcement. Since VAWG can occur at any level, from recreational and school-based activities to professional and international sport, the guidance applies across the entire sports ecosystem.
About the authors
Learn more
MenEngage Alliance is sharing this resource to strengthen collective action across sectors, including sport, by amplifying evidence-based guidance from UN Women and UNESCO. It reflects the Alliance’s commitment to eliminate VAWG, transform harmful gender norms, and support practitioners in engaging men and boys as allies in preventing violence against women and girls.
Explore more about our work on gender based violence here.
