Women in sports management have historically been underrepresented, and they face various hurdles in a predominantly male-dominated business. However, the tide is shifting, with more women taking up leadership roles, driving innovation, and shattering barriers. This blog delves at the experiences of women in sports management, the challenges they confront, and how they are effectively breaking glass ceilings.
Landscape of Sports Management
Sports management refers to the administration, organisation, and supervision of sports and recreation activities ranging from grassroots initiatives to professional leagues. It includes a variety of responsibilities such as marketing, event management, talent acquisition, and strategic planning. These professions have traditionally been male-dominated, but the situation is shifting as more women pursue careers in this vibrant area.
Challenges for Women in Sports Management
Women in sports management still face significant challenges. Gender bias and stereotypes persist, affecting their career advancement. Despite rising female participation, senior executive roles remain largely male-dominated, which can deter women from entering the field. The demanding nature of the job makes work-life balance difficult. Networking barriers and pay disparities also endure, with women often excluded from key networks. These factors contribute to ongoing gender inequalities in sports management.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Success Stories
Despite these hurdles, many women have achieved significant advances in sports administration, breaking down boundaries and paving the way for future generations. Here are four Indian women making a significant influence in the field:
Nita Ambani: In India, Nita Ambani has made substantial contributions to sports management through many programmes. She is the owner of Mumbai Indians, the most successful cricket team in the Indian Premier League, the founder chairperson of Football Sports Development Limited, which launched the Indian Super League, and the head of the Education and Sports for All initiative for children.
Rashim Sharma: Rashim Sharma, an experienced sports executive, has held several senior positions in sports management across a variety of sports organisations. Sharma, who is currently the Chief Marketing Officer & Co-founder of India On Track, has been at the forefront of operational excellence and strategic planning, demonstrating the value of women in sports leadership.
Manisha Malhotra: As JSW Sports Head of Sports Excellence & Scouting Manisha Malhotra drives JSW Sports’ flagship Sports Excellence Program which provides a wide range of support to over 30 Indian athletes in various Olympic disciplines. A former professional tennis player and Asian Games silver medallist, Manisha has been working closely with athletes over the past decade and brings a wealth of experience to the program.
Radhica Sreeman: Radhica Sreeman, a trailblazing sports administrator, has retired as the Administrator of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) after a distinguished career spanning over three decades. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping India’s sports landscape, particularly in the development of infrastructure and talent identification. Her dedication and expertise contributed significantly to India’s success in various international sporting events. Sreeman’s legacy will be remembered for her tireless efforts in promoting sports and inspiring generations of athletes.
Ellie Norman: A seasoned marketing expert, Norman has joined Formula E as the Chief Marketing Officer, bringing her extensive experience to the all-electric racing series. Previously, she served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Formula 1, where she played a key role in shaping the brand’s global identity and growth strategy.
These trailblazers demonstrate how women are not just involved in sports management, but also leading and revolutionising the business.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
Several measures may be taken to enhance the visibility and success of Women in sports management, including:
Mentorship and Support Networks: Creating strong mentorship programmes and support networks may give women direction, encouragement, and opportunity for professional development in sports management.
Inclusive Policies: Organisations should implement policies that encourage gender equality, such as flexible work arrangements and open recruiting and compensation procedures. This can lead to a more encouraging atmosphere for women in sports management.
Education and Training: Encouraging women to obtain formal education and training in sports management will help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Institutions such as the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) provide specialised programmes that equip women for leadership roles in sports.
Visibility and Advocacy: Highlighting women’s successes in sports management and fighting for their representation at all levels can encourage more women to seek careers in the field.
Breaking Stereotypes: Challenging and modifying social preconceptions of gender roles in sports management can contribute to a more inclusive culture in which women are recognised as equally capable and effective leaders.
The Future of Women in Sports Management
As the sports management sector advances, women’s inclusion and empowerment will be vital to its success and innovation. Women contribute unique insights, innovation, and leadership styles that are critical for handling the difficulties and possibilities in sports management.
With continuing efforts to break down obstacles and encourage women’s growth, the future looks bright for female sports management professionals. The experiences of groundbreaking women show that through dedication, perseverance, and support, the glass barrier can be broken, allowing future generations to prosper in this fascinating area.
Women in sports management are forging new paths, overcoming long-standing obstacles, and paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant profession. As more women advance to leadership positions, they are not only breaking down glass barriers but also changing the face of sports administration. With continued efforts to promote equality and support, the future promises enormous opportunities for women wishing to work in sports management.
Embarking on a career in Indian sports management demands a strategic choice of education, and the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) emerges as a top contender. GISB’s programme is uniquely tailored to the industry’s needs, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights gleaned from real-world scenarios. Boasting a faculty comprising seasoned professionals and experts, GISB ensures students receive mentorship from the best minds in the field. Moreover, GISB’s extensive network within the sports industry facilitates invaluable networking opportunities, paving the way for internships and collaborations with leading organisations.
