Barriers to The Participation of Women in Sports Leadership Roles: A Qualitative Design in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the barriers to women's participation in sports leadership roles in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the perceptions, beliefs, and lived experiences of women in leadership positions. Despite global progress in increasing opportunities for women in sports, their representation in leadership remains disproportionately low, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The study employs a social constructivist ontology, which acknowledges that the barriers to women's leadership are shaped by cultural, social, and individual factors. A qualitative design was chosen to explore these complex and nuanced experiences in depth. Five women currently or previously involved in sports leadership roles in Saudi Arabia were selected using purposive sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, each lasting approximately 25 minutes. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis, which allowed for the identification and examination of key themes related to cultural, structural, and individual barriers to women's leadership. The study's findings highlight significant challenges, including work-family conflict, gender stereotypes, and the lack of mentorship and networking opportunities. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy reforms and targeted interventions to enhance gender diversity in Saudi sports leadership. The study provides valuable insights into the socio-cultural dynamics that limit women's leadership roles and offers recommendations for future research and policy development aimed at promoting gender equality in sports leadership.