Think global, act global: The future of international women's sport

Abstract

It is argued that the impact of the women's movement in wider society has not been matched by feminist influence in sport. This proposition is examined in relation to the progress of women in sport through a number of stages from EXCLUSION, through INCLUSION to EQUITY and TRANSFORMATION. The relationship of different feminisms to action at each stage is discussed and the strengths and weakness of existing women's sport networks assessed. Comparisons are drawn between the women's movement in sport and the tactics of the 'green' or environmental movement in their efforts to bring about sustainable change in society. The paper concludes that feminists in sport now need to think and act globally, to recognise the value of multiple approaches to change and, in particular, to work towards transformation of sport in order to make it more humane for both women and men.