February 2023

Initiatives in Poland Aim to Address Catcalling in Sports

Sexual harassment and catcalling are major issues in the world of sports. In Poland, several initiatives have been launched to address the issue of catcalling in sports and create a safe and inclusive environment for women athletes. These initiatives include campaigns, projects, and programs aimed at raising awareness, promoting gender equality, preventing violence and harassment, and providing support for victims.

The Polish Olympic Committee launched the “Stop the harassment” campaign to raise awareness about sexual harassment and encourage people to report incidents of harassment. The campaign has been endorsed by several Polish athletes and features posters, videos, and social media content.

The “Fair Play Without Limits” project, launched by the Teraz Polska Foundation, provides training programs for coaches and athletes on preventing sexual harassment and creating a safe and inclusive environment for women in sports.

The Ministry of Sport and Tourism launched the “Safe sports” program, which includes creating codes of conduct, introducing reporting mechanisms for incidents of harassment, and providing support for victims.

The Women’s Rights Center in Poland launched the #DajSpokój campaign to combat street harassment, including catcalling. The campaign includes a mobile app that allows users to report incidents of harassment, as well as educational materials and awareness-raising events.

The “Sport bez przemoc” (Sport without violence) initiative, launched by the Polish Football Association, provides training programs for coaches and referees and implements measures to prevent violence and harassment in football stadiums.

These initiatives represent a significant step towards promoting gender equality in sports and creating a safe and inclusive environment for women athletes. By raising awareness about the issue of catcalling and sexual harassment, these initiatives can help to prevent such behavior and ensure that women in sports can perform without fear of harassment or discrimination.

This article is part of the WHISTLE project, a movement funded by the European Commission that aims to prevent verbal sexual harassment and catcalling in sports. The project involves municipalities and associations from several countries, including Poland, and promotes a safe and inclusive environment for women in sports through awareness-raising campaigns and the implementation of reporting mechanisms. To learn more about the WHISTLE project, visit https://whistleproject.eu.

Catcalling in Sports: Alarming Statistics in Poland

Sexual harassment and catcalling in sports have been a growing concern in Poland, as in many countries around the world. Recent statistics reveal the extent of this problem in Poland’s sports industry and the urgent need for action to prevent such behavior from occurring.

According to a survey conducted by the Women’s Rights Center, over 40% of female athletes in Poland have experienced some form of sexual harassment or catcalling while participating in sports. Of those who reported incidents, only 30% said that they were satisfied with the way their complaints were handled.

The survey also found that harassment and catcalling were most prevalent in team sports, with volleyball and football being the most affected. This is consistent with a report by the Polish Football Association, which found that incidents of sexual harassment and violence were on the rise in Polish football stadiums.

The consequences of sexual harassment and catcalling can be devastating for women athletes, leading to decreased self-confidence, anxiety, and even dropping out of sports altogether. It also creates a toxic environment for female athletes, making it difficult for them to thrive and succeed in their chosen sports.

Several initiatives have been launched in Poland to address the issue of catcalling in sports, such as the “Stop the harassment” campaign and the “Safe sports” program. However, the statistics show that more needs to be done to prevent sexual harassment and catcalling in sports and to ensure that victims are properly supported.

The sports industry has a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes, regardless of gender. This includes implementing measures such as training programs for coaches and athletes, reporting mechanisms for incidents of harassment, and support for victims. It also requires a cultural shift in attitudes towards women in sports, where they are respected and valued as athletes rather than objects to be objectified or harassed.

In conclusion, the statistics on catcalling in sports in Poland are alarming and highlight the urgent need for action. It is time for the sports industry to take a proactive stance on this issue and work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes. Only then can we ensure that sports are a space where everyone can thrive and succeed.

This article is part of the WHISTLE project, a movement funded by the European Commission that aims to prevent verbal sexual harassment and catcalling in sports. The project involves municipalities and associations from several countries, including Poland, and promotes a safe and inclusive environment for women in sports through awareness-raising campaigns and the implementation of reporting mechanisms. To learn more about the WHISTLE project, visit https://whistleproject.eu