Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40481444›Full record

SynthesisBMC public health2025

Challenges and successes in promoting gender equality through physical education and sports: a systematic review.

Mustafa Enes Işıkgöz, Murat Şahbudak, Melike Esentaş Deveci, Mustafa Öztunç

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Mustafa Enes IşıkgözDepartment of Rectorate, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Türkiye. mustafaenesisikgoz@sakarya.edu.tr.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7804-1011
Murat ŞahbudakDepartment of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Science, Batman University, Batman, Türkiye.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1700-0798
Melike Esentaş DeveciDepartment of Recreation, Faculty of Sport Science, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Türkiye.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8980-5662
Mustafa ÖztunçDepartment of New Media and Communication, Faculty of Communication, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Türkiye.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3125-1120

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPhysical education and sport can contribute to gender equality by supporting physical, mental, and social well-being. However, persistent challenges, including social norms, gender discrimination, and structural barriers, continue to limit progress in these areas.

methodsThis study used a systematic review methodology following the PRISMA protocol. A thematic analysis of 65 relevant studies was carried out to examine the progress and ongoing challenges in advancing gender equality through physical education and sports.

resultsThe analysis indicates that educational programmes, progressive policies, and innovative teaching methods have contributed to advancing gender equality, particularly through increased representation of female athletes and leaders, who serve as influential role models. However, these positive developments face challenges, including limited resources, educators' insufficient awareness of gender issues, and the short-term nature of many interventions.

conclusionThe findings highlight the essential need for long-term systemic strategies aimed at amplifying educator awareness, fortifying women's leadership opportunities, and dismantling structural inequities. Future research must prioritize the development of culturally responsive interventions and an in-depth examination of varied socioeconomic contexts to forge more inclusive and sustainable pathways to achieving gender equality in physical education and sports.

trial registrationThe completed PRISMA checklist is provided as a supplementary file and is also available via the Figshare repository: https://figshare.com/s/a088d4ef6e3b26cfd987.

Indexed as

Gender EquityPhysical Education and TrainingSportsHumansChallengesDiscriminationGender equalityPhysical education and sportSports policySuccesses

Identifiers

PMID40481444
PMCPMC12143033

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.