
NEW YORK CITY, 8 October 2024 – The United Nations has released a traiblazer report on violence against women and girls in sports, citing the contributions of the Facts and Norms Institute (FNI) and its director, Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, several times. The report, "Violence against women and girls in sports" (A/79/325), was prepared by Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem and presented to the UN General Assembly.
FNI's Contribution Acknowledged
The UN report directly references FNI's input, authored by Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, three separate times:
Economic Violence. The UN report highlights economic violence as a significant barrier to the participation and advancement of women and girls in sports. Citing FNI's input, the report discusses how young female athletes are often excluded from the transparent management of their finances. This lack of financial autonomy can manifest in various ways, including exploitative contracts, denial of financial resources, and economic sabotage that prevents athletes from pursuing educational or career opportunities outside of sports. FNI's contribution emphasized the detrimental impact of economic violence on female athletes' financial stability and independence.
Online Violence. The report also addresses the pervasive issue of online violence against women and girls in sports. FNI's research was cited in the context of female athletes being disproportionately subjected to hostile threats, harassment, and abusive behaviors in virtual spaces. This includes body-shaming, sexualization, stalking, doxing, and "revenge porn." The UN report acknowledges FNI's contribution that such online violence affects the mental health and sense of personal safety of female athletes, impairing their performance and potentially having long-term career repercussions.
Coercive Control. The UN report further discusses coercive control as a form of violence used to restrict communication, enforce social isolation, and severely limit athletes' behavioral independence. Referencing FNI's input, the report highlights how coercive control in sports diminishes career options for female athletes through financial control, interference with education, and psychological manipulation involving extreme criticism and gaslighting. FNI's research underscored the heightened vulnerability of women of color to coercive control in certain contexts.
About the UN Report
The report from the UN Special Rapporteur highlights the pervasive and multifaceted nature of violence against women and girls in the sports arena. It underscores that sports, while being important avenues for empowerment, are also sadly spaces where women and girls face violence, discrimination, and abuse. Key findings in the UN document include:
Manifestations of Violence. The report details various forms of violence, including physical, psychological, economic, online, and coercive control. It shows how these forms of violence frequently overlap, and how they create environments that limit women's participation and access to the benefits of sports.
Causes and Perpetrators. The report examines the root causes of this violence, which include a male-dominated culture in sports, entrenched gender norms, and inadequate accountability measures. It emphasizes that violence is often perpetrated by coaches, peers, and institutions with power over athletes.
Lack of Fair Opportunity. The report tackles the issue of policies that allow males to compete in female sports categories, which has led to instances of female athletes losing competitive opportunities and experiencing injuries.
Recommendations. The report offers robust recommendations, including legal and policy measures to prevent violence, education programs to change harmful norms, and measures to ensure fairness and safety in sport.
FNI's Commitment to Human Rights
The recognition of FNI's contribution to this UN report is a testament to the Institute's ongoing commitment to promoting a rational, human rights-based approach to social issues. As Professor Alves has noted,
"We are honored that the United Nations has recognized the Facts and Norms Institute's contribution. Our research aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of violence against women and children in sports and to advocate for systemic change."
"Sports play a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering social cohesion, and empowering individuals. It is imperative that we work collectively to create safe, inclusive, and equitable sporting environments where everyone, including women and children, can thrive without fear."
Since its inception, the Facts and Norms Institute has been dedicated to conducting research, providing education, and advocating for human rights through various partnerships, publications, and engagement with international organizations.
This UN report, with its explicit references to FNI’s work, serves as a clear call to action for sports organizations, governments, and civil society to prioritize the safety and rights of women and girls in sports.
Link to FNI's Submission:
Link to the UN Report:
About the Facts and Norms Institute:
The Facts and Norms Institute is an independent academic institution based in the Global South, with a presence on all continents. The Institute focuses on promoting human rights through research, education, and collaboration with international organizations. For more information about the Institute’s activities and projects, please visit www.factsandnorms.com.
Comments