Gender and sport participation in Montenegro

Abstract

Since 2006, when the Montenegrin Parliament declared independence, Montenegro had experienced impressive economic growth averaging an annual rate of 8% (until early 2009 when the effects of the global economic crisis began to have an impact) and an upward trend in human development indicators. Nonetheless, these economic trends have been accompanied by a rise in gender inequality in many institutional sectors. This study is the first to investigate that status of women in Montenegrin sport. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine gender differences in sport participation rates as well as women’s experiences with both facilitators and barriers to sport involvement. The facilitators to sport participation were family support and a “love for the game.” Participants in the focus groups discussed barriers including: lack of family support; gender division of labor; school–sport balance; and lack of resources. Evidence-based strategies to increase and improve women’s sport participation in Montenegro are discussed.