The main goal of the SWOST project is to increase the participation in, and equal access to sports, tackling the gender stereotyping and any discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in sports.
There is a widespread awareness concerning the role of sport to tackle gender issues. What can be added is a significant practical approach in terms of standardized methodology to reduce the risks of gender stereotypes within the European local sport associations and sport educational entities. This could instead transfer the possible good practice to the final beneficiaries (children, young people, parents). Although there are some pilot cases, also financed by EU, it is still crucial to strengthen the sensitization of all stakeholders in order to combine all the positive previous experiences with an aimed standardized approach. This partnership will identify the scientific research and the possible outcomes of similar projects in the European context on the subject of gender stereotypes in sports. The partnership will cooperate in designing a self-assessment tool for practioners including a database with automated feedback and good practices to guide and inspire teachers and trainers in sport. Finally, a “charter mark” or “quality label” for gender compliance in sports clubs will be designed.