Towards equity? The trajectory of women's participation in the summer paralympic games (1988-2024).

Introduction: Women's participation in the Paralympic Games has increased over recent decades, yet significant challenges persist. This study examines the trajectory of female athletes in the Summer Paralympic Games from 1988 to 2024, focusing on numerical growth and regional distribution. Methods: Employing a descriptive and comparative approach, data from the International Paralympic Committee were analyzed to assess participation by gender and continent across different editions of the Games. Results: The results show a substantial increase in female representation, rising from 22.06% in 1988 to 44.48% in 2024. However, this progress has not been uniform. Discussion: While Asia has experienced significant growth, Europe and the Americas saw a proportional decline in female participation. Africa, despite some progress, continues to have limited numbers. Additionally, the number of National Paralympic Committees without female athletes has increased, highlighting structural and sociocultural inequalities. The findings suggest that, although initiatives such as adopting the Brighton Declaration and expanding women's events have driven progress, barriers remain. The study concludes that region-specific policies are essential for advancing gender equity in Parasport, ensuring greater access and opportunities for women with disabilities in high-performance competition.