Towards greater gender equity in Belgian sports federations: the influence of organisational capacity

Vers plus d’équité de genre dans les fédérations sportives belges: l’influence de la capacité organisationnelle

Simon Mazy () and Géraldine Zeimers ()
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Simon Mazy: Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations (LouRIM)
Géraldine Zeimers: Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations (LouRIM)

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Abstract: Sport remains fundamentally marked by persistent inequalities between women and men, despite progress made over the past decades. In the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (French speaking Belgium), women account for only one third of affiliated members in sports clubs and hold less than one third of seats on the boards of sports federations, while the proportion of female presidents remains marginal. This observation reflects a broader context, documented by international research, in which inequalities are evident not only in participation but also in access to leadership positions and coaching roles. While numerous studies have examined the causes and consequences of these disparities, the issue of the organisational capacity of sports federations to implement initiatives promoting gender equity remains largely unexplored. The aim of this research is to analyse, through the model of Hall et al. (2003), the organisational capacity of sports federations in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles to implement initiatives fostering gender equity. More specifically, the study seeks to identify which dimensions of organisational capacity whether human, financial, infrastructural and procedural, relational and network based, or planning and development, play a determining role as enablers or barriers in such initiatives. To this end, 17 semi structured interviews were conducted with representatives of sports federations. The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis, using the conceptual framework of organisational capacity proposed by Hall et al. (2003). The findings suggest that the financial and human dimensions are particularly critical. Sufficient funding, the allocation of a dedicated budget, and the presence of adequate and stable human resources whether employees or volunteers facilitate the implementation of initiatives, while their absence constitutes a major obstacle. Increased representation of women in governing bodies and decision-making positions also emerges as a key enabling factor. Finally, the integration of gender equity into strategic planning, the digitalisation of management tools and procedures, and the quality of relationships with stakeholders, particularly clubs, also appear as essential levers. By identifying the key dimensions of their organisational capacity for gender equity, sports federations can better target and strengthen those in which gaps persist.

Keywords: capacity; gender equity; diversity; women’s sport; Sports organisations; capacity Vers plus d'équité; women's sport; capacité Sports organisations; Organisations sportives sport féminin diversité égalité de genre capacité Sports organisations women's sport diversity gender equity capacity Vers plus d'équité; capacité; égalité de genre; diversité; sport féminin; Organisations sportives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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