GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORT IN FRANCE
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which will be observed on 21 March 2025, serves as a timely reminder of the broader fight against all forms of discrimination, including gender discrimination in sport.
According to paragraph 4 of the Fundamental Principles of Olympism as set out in the Olympic Charter, the practice of sport is a human right without any discrimination of any kind.
Furthermore, paragraph 6 of the Charter provides as follows:
“The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Olympic Charter shall be secured without discrimination of any kind, such as a race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”
So, how has gender equality in French sport fared so far? There has been some progress, particularly at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, but challenges remain in coaching and media coverage of sport in France and in some other respects as mentioned below.
The Paris Games were the first with an equal number of men and women competitors.
At the Opening Ceremony, 96% of the Delegations of the National Olympic Committees selected one male and one female athlete to carry their country’s flag.
Also, as regards the broadcasts of the Games, the number of female commentators was increased to 40%, and the schedules were reordered to enable women’s events to be broadcast during peak viewing times.
However, in France there remain a number of inequalities.
In coaching, men hold the most powerful positions in French sports, and only 27% of registered coaches are women.
In the media, women’s sports get less coverage than men’s sports.
As regards salaries, inequalities continue.
And as regards gender-based violence, only 36% of Sports Federations in France have written policies for preventing and combatting such cases.
Only one Sports Federation, namely Fencing, has a female President and only 13% have a female chief executive. Only 6% have an equal number of female and male Vice-Presidents. These are: equestrian, handball, sailing, skiing, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo.
Whilst legislative progress has been made, further efforts are needed. At a constitutional level, Article 1 of the French Constitution of 4 October 1958 provides that “the law shall promote equal access of women and men […] to professional and social responsibilities.” Additionally, Paragraph 3 of the Preamble to the 1946 Constitution guarantees that the law ensures women equal rights to those of men in all areas.
France also has a dedicated Ministry for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, which collaborates with the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games to address these issues.
The French Sports Code, in Article L.100-1, establishes that equal access for men and women to sports activities is of general interest.
In criminal law, discrimination is prohibited and punishable under Articles 225-1 and 225-2 of the French Penal Code, which classify such acts as offences. At the European level, Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights reinforces these legal protections.
In line with these legal frameworks, the Ministry of Sports has launched the 5th edition of the Legal Guide on the Prevention and Fight Against Incivility, Violence, and Discrimination in Sports. First published in 2013, the Guide provides comprehensive resources and legal references to combat these issues effectively. The latest edition is accessible.
Further emphasising the commitment to equality, the “Terrain d’Égalité” (Field of Equality) label was launched in 2022 in preparation for the Paris Games. This label targets organisers of major international sports events in France, promoting gender equality and combating all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence during both the planning and execution phases of events. The label is awarded by an allocation committee, based on an evaluation report prepared by an independent certification body (AFNOR). The Paris Games is the second event to receive the „Terrain d’Égalité“ label, following the Rugby World Cup.
As mentioned, further progress in gender equality in French sport remains necessary, despite the long history of French legislation promoting equality and pay equity. For example, the Law on Equal Pay of 1972 enshrines the principle that men and women should receive equal pay for the same work or work of equal value.
Furthermore, the Law on Gender Equality in the Workplace of 2021 established quotas for women in leadership in large companies, which, by 2029, will increase to 40%.
Also, Laws passed in 2002, 2003 and 2012 deal with matters of sexual harassment, strengthening the legal protections for women in both professional and sporting environments.
Whilst the Paris Games marked a significant milestone, it is evident that sustained efforts and robust legal frameworks remain essential for achieving full gender equality in French sport.
We advise and represent sportspersons and sports bodies in gender discrimination cases in France, and for further information email Dr Estelle Ivanova, the Head of our French Desk, at ‘ivanova@valloni.ch’.