Gender Equity in Community Physical Activity: Challenges, Barriers and Strategies for Inclusion. (Original)

Resumen

Gender equity is a fundamental principle for social justice, which seeks to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities, recognizing and addressing the historical and structural inequalities faced by women and other marginalized groups. In the field of physical activity (PA), gender plays a determining role, since social expectations and roles influence the participation and appreciation of these practices. Despite recent advances, barriers that limit female participation persist, such as gender stereotypes, the burden of domestic responsibilities, and socioeconomic inequalities. Community physical activity (CPA) has been proposed as a means to promote health and well-being, as well as strengthen social capital. However, women face various limitations in accessing PA programs, especially those in low-resource contexts or with family responsibilities. Non-binary people also face exclusion in binary sporting spaces, reinforcing the need to transform sporting structures and create inclusive and accessible environments for all. This article examines the barriers and inequalities that affect participation in PA from a gender perspective, and proposes strategies to promote inclusion and equity. Through public policies, specific programs and the active participation of women and non-binary people in the design of activities, we seek to move towards a fairer and more inclusive sports model, which considers the needs and capabilities of all groups, without distinction of gender.