Discrimination against women in sports: Comparative analysis between state legislation and regional regulations of the Valencian Community

Abstract

Inequalities and discrimination against women in sport have generated growing interest from the academic, political, and public spheres. This paper presents an analysis of the sufficiency and appropriateness of the state and Valencian regulatory framework to guarantee legal, real and effective equality for women in sport. All of this in relation to the recommendations issued by the European Union. It is developed from the perspective of anti-discrimination law, taking into account sub-discrimination. The findings reveal significant qualitative advances. However, it was concluded that the legal framework was insufficient by omitting strategic areas, regulated proposals in a limited way as well as control and sanction mechanisms. In addition, it was detected that the European recommendations were not fully incorporated. It ends by suggesting the expansion of the recognition of rights and the improvement of legal tools to achieve effective equality between women and men in sport.