Barriers to Female Participation in Physical Activity in Pakistan: A Feminist Sport Theory Perspective

Religious scholars in Pakistan have imposed unwritten rules in the religion of Islam in Pakistani society and declared that women should not participate in physical activities (PA). However, women empowerment in Pakistan promotes women rights, including participating in outdoor activities, but barriers persist. The main objective of the current study is to highlight these factors and contribute to the betterment of women's participation in PA in Pakistan. A self-administered and self-designed questionnaire in the context of feminist theory in sports was employedas the analytical framework. Six hundred and eighty-seven female students (age range 16-22 years) were surveyed and interviewed using a stratified sampling approach (Strata). The findings of the present research explore that the "Ethos of College physical education" problem is at the top of list of hindrances with highest percentage in Peshawar city (99.4%), "Gender problem" "Religion and culture" and "Religion-Feminism Conflict" are the next obstacles for female sport participation with means of 3.26, 3.17, and 3.16, respectively. The results provide preliminary evidence alerting religious scholars to the facts that according to the participants of this study Islam encourages people to keep fit, the unwritten and misleading rules regarding the Islamic religion should be vigorously challenged, that it is not an anti-sports religion. Empowering women through education, equal opportunities, and access to PA leads to healthier families and improved societal well-being in Pakistan.