Spain
Incorporating Gender Mainstreaming in Coach Education Curricula at the University of Murcia
Country
Spain
Organization(s) Involved
University of Murcia (Faculty of Sports Sciences), in collaboration with regional sports federations and local councils.
Description of the Practice
The University of Murcia integrated gender mainstreaming strategies into its coach education and sports science programs. This includes mandatory modules on gender equality, inclusive leadership, and the prevention of gender-based discrimination and violence in sports. The practice also involves workshops with women coaches and athletes, promoting role models and peer learning.
Main Objectives
- Embed gender awareness in initial and continuing coach education.
- Increase the number and visibility of women coaches.
- Challenge gender stereotypes in sports settings.
- Provide tools for coaches to implement gender-sensitive practices.
Key Activities
- Development of gender-focused training materials.
- Guest lectures and seminars with experts in gender and sport.
- Mentoring programs for women coach candidates.
- Assessment of gender bias in existing curricula and content revision.
Target Groups
- Student coaches in training (undergraduate/graduate level)
- Licensed coaches in continuing education programs
- Female athletes interested in coaching
- Coach educators and program designers
Results / Impact
- Increased awareness of gender issues among future coaches
- Measurable improvement in students’ understanding of inclusive coaching practices
- Uptake of more female participants in coaching education pathways
- Institutional commitment to sustainable integration of gender equality
Challenges Faced
- Initial resistance or lack of awareness among some coach educators
- Lack of existing gender-sensitive materials in Spanish
- Limited representation of women in sports leadership positions
Transferability
The structure, content, and methodology can be adapted to other universities, coaching education institutions, or regional federations.
Link or Supporting Material
Unidad para la Igualdad entre Mujeres y Hombres https://www.um.es/web/unidad-igualdad/
La participación de la mujer en el deporte es un indicador del desarrollo igualitario en el mundo, según un estudio de la UMU: https://www.um.es/web/ucc/-/la-participación-de-la-mujer-en-el-deporte-es-un-indicador-del-desarrollo-igualitario-en-el-mundo-según-un-estudio-de-la-umu
Contact Persons
Salvador Angosto, Guillermo F. López
Universo Mujer III
Country
Spain
Organization(s) Involved
Consejo Superior de Deportes
Description of the Practice
UNIVERSO MUJER III is a program that aims to promote and increase female participation in all areas of sport, contributing to social improvement and transformation through the values of sport. The goal is to achieve a more egalitarian society where women and sport are an essential part of the country’s growth.
Main Objectives
UNIVERSO MUJER III aims to delve into the social and cultural dimension of sport to drive change in the lifestyles of Spaniards and encourage women to participate in sports through promotion and visibility.
Key Activities
UNIVERSO MUJER III materializes through the implementation of projects that seek to disseminate and promote women’s sports through five main pillars:
- Training as an element of excellence
- Sports development plan: from the grassroots to the elite
- Visibility and promotion of women in sports and society
- Leadership
- Women, health, and sports
Target Groups
Women athletes, coaches and leaders in sport sector
Results / Impact
- Funded projects: 121 projects
- Funds mobilized: €21.66 million in private contributions
- Pillars of action: Training, development, visibility, leadership, health
- Cities visited in 2025: Guadalajara, Segovia, San Sebastián, La Laguna
- Public investment (2018-2025): €12.6 million from the CSD (Center for Sustainable Development)
- Collaboration with Iberdrola: 80% more women’s sports licenses since 2018
Challenges Faced
- Structural inequalities persist in access to management positions and sports leadership.
- Significant dependence on public funds and private donations with tax benefits.
- Sustained low media coverage for women’s sports outside of specific events.
- Difficulty measuring the real and sustained long-term impact of the program.
- Territorial inequality in access to activities, resources, and visibility.
- Lack of an intersectional approach that integrates women with disabilities, migrants, or those at risk of exclusion.
Transferability
The structure, content, and methodology can be adapted to other universities, coach education institutions, or regional federations.
Link or Supporting Material
Website: https://www.csd.gob.es/test.php/es/promocion-del-deporte/universo-mujer-iii
Contact Persons
Salvador Angosto Guillermo F. López
Universo Mujer III – Scholarship
Country
Spain
Organization(s) Involved
Consejo Superior de Deportes
Description of the Practice
A specific scholarship line within Universo Mujer III, managed by the Fundación Deporte Joven together with the CSD and Iberdrola, which subsidizes the official training of women as Technicians/Coaches and Referees/Judges
Main Objectives
- Increase the number of women coaches in men’s and women’s teams, both in grassroots and elite sports.
- Train female referees and judges to improve the presence of women in these technical roles.
Key Activities
Scholarships for training in sports techniques to fully or partially finance the tuition of women pursuing official qualifications in: Intermediate Sports Technician & Advanced Sports Technician
Areas: Olympic and non-Olympic sports, always recognized by the Ministry of Education or approved federations.
Target Groups
Women athletes, coaches and referees in sport sector
Results / Impact
- Total budget: €60,000: €50,000 for training (Intermediate/Advanced Sports Technician) & €10,000 for referees/judges
- 111 women funded for training activities
Challenges Faced
- Limited scope: only covers tuition fees, not accommodation, transportation, or materials.
- Limited training period: only courses completed between early 2022 and September 2024 are funded.
- Impact difficult to assess: lack of public data on the actual number of trainees, their job placement, and retention in technical structures.
- Periodic renewal: requires monitoring to ensure continuity and increase funding in future calls.
- Unequal access: some sports may be excluded if they do not have official training within the competitive framework.
Transferability
The structure, content, and methodology can be adapted to other universities, coach education institutions, or regional federations.
Link or Supporting Material
Contact Persons
Salvador Angosto, Guillermo F. López