Identifying Barriers to Women's Participation in Sports Activities in both Urban and Rural Communities

Today, the role of women in social activities in Iranian society is more important than ever. Despite the increasing presence of women in the social arena, their participation and attendance in sports activities are limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers affecting women's non-participation in sports activities in both urban and rural communities. The data of this study were collected using a questionnaire on barriers to women's participation in sports activities. Findings indicated that the two groups of urban and rural women reported similar priorities, with the highest priority being related to economic and personal barriers. The lowest priorities were related to family, cultural barriers. With extensive and targeted advertising, a variety of mass entertainment programs of sports activities can be assigned to the adult age categories. Such interventions will lead to better welfare and quality of life for women in urban and rural communities.