CreaTeME live at Arendalsuka 2024 the 13th of August: “Is equality a utopia? The path to performance development for girls and women”

On August 13th, a critical debate was held focusing on the need for a greater emphasis on equity in various performance contexts. The discussion brought together experts from the University of Agder (UiA), who highlighted the growing importance of moving beyond traditional gender equality frameworks to embrace a more nuanced equity perspective. This shift, they argued, is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by women in sectors such as sports and the cultural industry.


The Equity Perspective: A Necessary Complement to Gender Equality

The debate centered on the limitations of the current gender equality perspective, which, while crucial, does not fully account for the differences between men and women. The equity perspective, as discussed by the panelists, offers a more comprehensive approach by acknowledging these differences and tailoring strategies accordingly. This perspective aims to create a deeper awareness of the real challenges women face, particularly in performance-driven environments.

Research presented during the debate underscored the persistent stereotypes that women encounter. Women are often viewed as less competent, less competitive, and more fragile than men, particularly in high-performance contexts. These perceptions contribute to structural barriers that hinder women’s participation, development, and success. The experts emphasized that addressing these barriers requires a focus on equity, not just equality.

Gender Imbalances in Sports: A Persistent Challenge

The discussion highlighted the ongoing gender imbalances in the sports sector, a key area where equity is urgently needed. The panelists pointed out several critical issues:

Participation Rates: More boys than girls begin and continue participating in sports, with girls from minority backgrounds showing significantly lower participation rates than their male counterparts.
Achievements: Men continue to dominate in terms of medals won, reflecting a broader disparity in opportunities and support.
Leadership Roles: There is a significant gender gap in leadership within sports, with far fewer women in coaching and administrative positions compared to men.

The panelists called for a concerted effort by stakeholders to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within sports. They argued that Norway has the potential to lead by example in creating development opportunities for girls and women, making sports a more inclusive arena that benefits public health.

Cultural Sector: Addressing Gender Disparities in Music

The cultural sector, particularly the music industry, was also a focal point of the debate. Statistics from Statistics Norway (SSB) were cited, showing a stark gender imbalance: 67 percent of those employed in music are men, compared to 33 percent women. This imbalance extends to professional organizations like GramArt and TONO, where only 20 percent of members are women.

The panelists also noted the gender gap in higher music education, particularly in fields such as music production, where only 20 percent of students are women. The same pattern is observed in the study of rhythmic instruments like guitar, keyboard, bass, and drums. These imbalances not only limit women’s opportunities but also perpetuate a cycle of inequality in the industry.


A Call to Action
Throughout the debate, the panelists stressed the importance of raising awareness among key societal actors about these pressing issues. They argued that a real movement towards increased equity is necessary to ensure that both women and men can thrive in all performance contexts. The discussion concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders across sectors to embrace the equity perspective and work collaboratively to dismantle the barriers that continue to hold women back.


The debate on August 13th served as a crucial platform for highlighting the need for equity in addressing gender imbalances in performance contexts. By moving beyond traditional gender equality frameworks and adopting a more comprehensive equity perspective, there is hope for creating a more inclusive and fair society. The panelists’ insights and research findings underscore the urgency of this shift, paving the way for meaningful change in sports, culture, and beyond.


Participants
The debate featured the following experts from the University of Agder (UiA):

BÃ¥rd Erlend Solstad, Associate Professor
Hege Merete Bjørnestøl Beckmann, Associate Professor
Gunn-Hilde Erstad Haugen, Researcher
Rasha Abdallah, Advisor
Monica Klungland Torstveit, Professor


Their contributions were instrumental in advancing the discussion on equity and gender imbalance, providing valuable insights that will shape future efforts to create a more equitable society.


Photo by Marit Wergeland