INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

protection with constant monitoring by an independent ombudsman
and environmental protectionists.
2) Inequalities in the Olympic Movement
As opposed to the ‘universalism’ and the ideal of ‘no
discrimination of race or sex’, inequalities within the Olympic
Movement can be strongly identified in terms of sex/gender, disabled
people, religions, races, ethnicity and sexual preferences. First, the
problems in gender inequality can be examined in terms of
participation rate (44% women in 2000), as well as the relative
importance in events and media coverage. Because of religious
beliefs, customs and levels of sexualization or taboos, some countries
restrict the participation of women in sport. As well, the availability of
resources and finances is lacking in order to pursue the empowerment
and enhancement of women’s participation. The male/female-only
events that are based upon the dominant notion of ‘masculinity’ and
‘femininity’ still exist. Moreover, one of the crucial problems is that
the organizational structure of IOC, especially within decision-making
roles, are dominated by men (10 of 124 members are women). Despite
the fact that the IOC has already introduced a quota system (10% of
women in the decision-making position by 2000; 20% by 2005) and
ruled out sexual discrimination in the Olympic Charter, more specific
IOC programs for training and employing female sports leaders
should be developed and the IOC must take initiatives to follow-up
the implementation of policies by all NOCs. The divisions between
female and male events can be reconsidered by integrating events or
allowing both sexes into every event equally.
Second, disabled sport is viewed as second class because of its
focus on medical treatment, rehabilitation, recreation and social
integration. The Paralympic Games are marginalized by sponsors,
media, organizers and consumers. They lack resources and media
coverage as there is no recognition of full-medal status. Although the
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed a contract for
collaboration with the IOC in 2000, the IPC needs to stress more on
organizational autonomy from the IOC and shift away from the
current form of Olympic Games, where participants are limited to toplevel
athletes, and instead to the emphasize the integration and
inclusion of all athletes. The Paralympics have the possibility to
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