Empowering Women In Sports: Justice Hima Kohli Calls For Legal Reforms And Equal Opportunities

Supreme Court Judge Justice Hima Kohli recently advocated for legal reforms and equal opportunities to empower women in sports and address the persistent challenges they face. Justice Kohli made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the National Seminar on Women Empowerment through Sports: Issues and Challenges, hosted by her alma mater Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi on Friday.

In her address, Justice Kohli underscored the transformative power of sports, stating that it extends beyond physical fitness and entertainment by empowering individuals to reach their full potential. However, she highlighted that women in sports encounter unique challenges that their male counterparts do not face.

Justice Kohli added that Indian women athletes have left an indelible mark on the global stage, turning their dreams into triumphs across a range of sports, from cricket to athletics. She specifically mentioned the exceptional contributions of PT Usha, Sania Mirza, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Mithali Raj, Hima Das, Dutee Chand, PV Sindhu, Deepa Malik, Dipa Karmakar, and Rahi Sarnobat, for defying societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, inspiring others with their indomitable spirit and determination and serving as beacons of hope for future generations.

However, Justice Kohli emphasised that despite their remarkable successes, Indian women in sports continue to confront persistent challenges, such as gender disparities, socio-cultural barriers, and limited access to essential infrastructure and opportunities.

In her address, Justice Kohli cited studies that demonstrated a significant drop in girls' participation in sports during adolescence, which was influenced by societal norms and a lack of support systems. Biases and stereotypes also affect the popularity and perception of women's sports, hindering their growth and recognition, she said.

"...women in India face numerous obstacles in their pursuit of sporting excellence. Gender disparities continue to persist preventing women from fully participating in sports and reaping its benefits," added Justice Kohli. 

Justice Kohli highlighted the BCCI's historic decision for equal pay in cricket. She noted the gender disparity, with 15% of Indian women playing cricket compared to 25% of men. She also highlighted the lower viewership of women's sports, emphasizing the need for greater support and engagement.

According to Justice Kohli, deep-rooted socio-cultural barriers such as archaic predetermined notions of societal prejudices confine women to traditional gender roles and discourage them from pursuing sports. Certain sports are deemed unsuitable for women, like boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and motorsports, hindering women's opportunities, perpetuating stereotypes and limiting their participation. 

The inaugural address also highlighted education and awareness empower individuals to challenge societal prejudices and open doors to new possibilities. Family support and engagement foster understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of sports in women's lives, nurturing their aspirations and amplifying their voices.

Justice Kohli conveyed that inadequate infrastructure and limited access to training facilities create barriers for women in sports. Sports infrastructure development at all levels is crucial for empowering women in sports, fostering talent, and creating an ecosystem where they can thrive. It goes beyond mere infrastructure and necessitates equal access to resources, dismantling barriers, and providing opportunities for women to excel in sports, she said.

"The transformation of these socio-cultural barriers necessitates a collective action. It calls for a reimagining of gender roles, where women are celebrated as equal partners and catalysts of change," the first woman Chief Justice of Telangana High Court added. 

To address the gender imbalance in sports, inclusivity is crucial. Initiatives promoting sports at the grassroots level and bridging the rural-urban divide are needed to provide opportunities for young girls to participate and excel. Talent should transcend geographical boundaries, making growth and development accessible to all.

"This transformation requires a collaborative effort of all stakeholders. Governments, sports organizations, private entities and communities must join hands to invest in infrastructure development so that women have equal access to high-quality training facilities and equipment."

It was then highlighted that the legal framework plays a vital role in securing rights and empowering women in sports. Progressive court decisions highlight the importance of equal opportunities, access to infrastructure, and protection against discrimination and harassment.

"The realm of law, with its profound capacity for transformative change, plays a pivotal role in securing rights and empowering women in sports. Recognising the significance of their participation and the need for gender equality, the Supreme Court of India has rendered some landmark verdicts to fortify their position and elevate their status. Through these verdicts, Courts have underscored the imperative of equal opportunities, access to infrastructure and protection against discrimination."

Justice Kohli also pointed out that Delhi High Court recently emphasized the need to acknowledge women's presence and aspirations in sports administration. It highlighted the lack of women in significant positions within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and called for their inclusion in decision-making bodies.

It was further highlighted policy reforms are crucial to promoting women's empowerment in sports, addressing their specific needs, ensuring equal opportunities, and establishing mechanisms to address gender-based violence and discrimination. Creating a safe and inclusive environment through robust reporting and redressal mechanisms will send a powerful message of respect and protection. It is now the responsibility of governments, sports bodies, and stakeholders to translate legal frameworks into effective policies and actions, fostering equality and enabling the development of women athletes, she added. 

Justice Kohli Sports can serve as a means of economic empowerment for women, providing opportunities for endorsements, sponsorships, and professional contracts. Ensuring equal pay and financial support for women athletes contributes to their overall economic empowerment.

Conclusion:

The seminar emphasized the importance of teamwork, resilience, and confidence in women's sports. It called for collective action to dismantle barriers, promote equal opportunities, challenge stereotypes, and create an inclusive environment for women to pursue their sporting dreams. The organizers were commended for their efforts in raising awareness and fostering dialogue on women's empowerment through sports.

The event was attended by Meenakshi Negi, Member Secretary, National Commission for Women, Prof. Balram Pani, Dean of Colleges, Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus, Senior Professor Usha Tandon, Dean Faculty of Law and Professor Alka Chawla, Professor in-charge Campus Law Centre, Prof. Gunjan Gupta, Organizing Secretary, other academicians and students.