NEWS
2024.09.27
SSS #3: Japan-ASEAN Indonesia Research Report
Seijo University’s International Research Center for Sports and Gender Equality (SGE) operates the YouTube channel "Sport for Social Solutions (SSS)". This channel highlights sports as a platform for addressing social issues, featuring a wide range of guests including experts, government officials, and athletes to share information and exchange ideas.
Seijo University’s International Research Center for Sports and Gender Equality YouTube Channel:
The theme of the third episode of SSS is "Japan-ASEAN Indonesia Research Report."
Postdoctoral researchers Yu Furuta and Yushi Miyazawa presented their findings from a research project conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia, in November 2023.
Research Overview
As a subcontracted project under the Japan Sports Agency, SGE is engaged in "ASEAN-JAPAN Actions on Sport: Gender Equality," a collaborative initiative between Japan and the governments of 10 ASEAN countries to promote gender equality through sports.
One of the core components of this initiative is a research project aimed at identifying challenges and needs related to the participation of women and girls in sports across Japan and ASEAN countries.
In the fiscal year of 2023, interviews were conducted in three countries—Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines—with local government officials, Olympic and Paralympic committees, sports federations, top athletes, NGOs supporting women and girls, and female university students from physical education institutions.
The first country where the study was conducted was Indonesia. The research shared insights from Indonesia, where approximately 87% of the population is Muslim.
Differences in Sport Selection by Generation and Gender
The study, which included women ranging from their 20s to 60s, revealed generational differences in attitudes toward sports participation. Miyazawa noted "Women in their 20s and 30s tend to have little hesitation in engaging in intense sports, whereas women in their 50s and 60s are more likely to participate in gentler activities, such as dance or yoga in public parks."
Additionally, the study highlighted how certain sports are traditionally associated with specific genders—for example, soccer is considered a male sport, while badminton is seen as a female sport. If a woman wishes to participate in a sport that deviates from these norms, she often requires parental approval, particularly from her father.
Overcoming Socioeconomic Disparities Through Sports
At the beginning of the interviews, participants were asked about their favorite athletes as an icebreaker. Many named Greysia Polii, the gold medalist in women's badminton doubles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and Susi Susanti, the gold medalist in women's badminton singles at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics.
A common factor between these two athletes, beyond their sporting achievements, is that they both come from impoverished rural backgrounds, representing a ‘narrative of success despite adversity.’
Postdoctoral researcher Yu discussed Indonesia's socioeconomic disparities, explaining that these challenges contribute to a deep respect for those who overcome adversity through sports. Additionally, there is a strong awareness that success in sports can lead to financial stability. Yushi emphasized the need to expand research to rural areas to better understand the challenges faced beyond urban settings.
Religious Perspectives and Women’s Participation in Sports
In Islam, it is believed that women should not expose their skin except for their face and hands. As a result, women are generally discouraged from participating in contact sports. Even in public sports facilities, which are theoretically open to all, women often avoid using gyms and other public venues if men are present, due to concerns that they might need to remove their hijab.
Yushi pointed out, "Although sports opportunities may seem equally distributed, the types of sports and locations where women can participate are actually limited." He highlighted a key finding of the study: women's and girls' participation in sports is influenced by intersecting factors, including religion, gender norms, and poverty related to their place of residence.
Yu focused on the perspective shared by interview participants that "sports are dangerous" within the Islamic belief that women are precious and should be protected. She noted that concerns about the risk of injury often discourage women and girls from participating in sports. Yu emphasized the importance of providing accurate knowledge about sports safety while working together to find culturally appropriate ways to promote participation.
Finally, Yushi concluded the report by stating "Globally, there is a push for men and women to have equal access to all sports, but simply imposing that standard is unrealistic. Ignoring cultural values can, in itself, be a form of violence. Through this research project, I strongly felt that we have an opportunity to walk alongside communities and explore solutions together."
Watch the full video of this report here:
