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Valloni / News  / GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORT IN TURKIYE
29 July 2025

GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORT IN TURKIYE

 

In Türkiye, gender equality in sport is a work in progress, despite a general increasing awareness of the need for and efforts to promote it.

The participation of women in sport in Türkiye is growing, but women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, for example, as members of boards and as coaches.

This is due to a lack of funding and lack of media interest and limited coverage of women’s sports events, although some media outlets are now beginning to pay more attention to women’s sports in Türkiye.

Other causes include perceptions in Turkish society of the role of women which tend to discourage girls and women from participating in sport, particularly in those sports that are traditionally regarded as “masculine”, such as association football.

Also, fears of violence and harassment, particularly in public spaces, is cited as a possible deterrent for girls and women participating in sport.

In particular, transgender athletes face significant challenges and discrimination in the practice of sport in Türkiye.

The organisation Kızlar Sahada (“Girls on the Field”) is focusing on empowering girls and women in football and addressing societal barriers to their participation in this popular sport.

Also, the Turkish Olympic Committee has developed a gender equality policy through initiatives such as their project “Empowering Girls Through Sport” and is encouraging other sports bodies to follow their example.

Furthermore, Fenerbahçe Sports Club, acting in partnership with the United Nations “HeForShe” initiative to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in sport, has launched initiatives to promote gender equality in sport, including creating a more inclusive stadium environment.

Finally, there are initiatives to increase the physical activity of Syrian refugee women and girls, who are a vulnerable group in Türkiye.

Sustained investment in women’s sports is key for their growth and development in Türkiye.

We advise sports bodies and individuals on gender equality policies and issues in Türkiye, including disputes, and further information is available from the Head of our Turkish Law Practice, Gurur Gaye Günal, by emailing her at gunal@valloni.ch.