The Challenges Facing Women's Sports in Iraq and the Proposed Solutions from the Perspective of Girls

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the main challenges facing women’s sports in Iraq and to propose solutions from the perspective of Iraqi girls. The researchers believe in the significant role sports play in society by supporting women, developing their potential, and alleviating the psychological, social, and health burdens they face, which in turn affects their essential role in building society as a whole. Therefore, the researchers decided to study the obstacles and issues that women’s sports in Iraq face and to propose solutions based on what Iraqi girls feel.

The researchers used the descriptive survey method as it is appropriate for addressing the research problem. The study sample consisted of female students from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Babylon and the University of Diyala. The sample was selected purposively and included 200 students, with 100 students from each university.

After distributing the questionnaire, which consisted of 35 items covering five areas—(facilities, social, cultural, health, security, and religious aspects)—the data was collected and statistically processed to obtain the results. The researchers reached the following key conclusions:

• Social and religious obstacles are among the most important barriers faced by Iraqi women, preventing them from engaging in sports. These are followed by security issues, facilities, and health-related obstacles.
• The proposed solutions include the need to activate the role of specialized women’s sports clubs, provide all the necessary equipment and tools for sports participation, and support women’s sports specifically by responsible officials.

Additionally, the researchers recommend the following:

• Activation of women’s specialized committees in sports clubs and institutions.
• Provision of material and moral resources and the establishment of specialized clubs to support women's participation in sports activities.
• Increased attention from local media to raise cultural and sports awareness, particularly among women in society.
• The creation of strict laws to ensure the participation of Iraqi women in sports activities and to support them with all available resources.