Abstract
This study aims to examine students’ perspectives on the position of women in the world of sports through interviews conducted before and after a “Women and Sports” course. A phenomenological research design was employed, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using NVivo, and reliability was ensured with an 87% agreement based on Cohen’s kappa coefficient. The findings reveal that prior to the course, participants emphasized that increasing women’s visibility in sports would enhance social acceptance and interest, while also highlighting existing barriers such as sexism, social pressures, and media objectification. Following the course, participants proposed solutions including the elimination of gender discrimination, the establishment of merit-based systems, and greater inclusion of women in sports. The results indicate that increased female representation contributes not only to individual empowerment but also to the broader development of the sports domain, supporting gender equality and social justice. Overall, the study underscores the role of sport as a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and highlights the importance of educational programs in facilitating this process.
Cite this article as: Eroğlu Eskicioğlu, Y., & Ünlü, H. (2026). The perspective of women in sports through the eyes of faculty of sports sciences students. Research in Sports Science, 16, 0093, doi: 10.5152/rss.2026.25093.