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Newly released research undertaken by Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering (CSE) has revealed that women-only running groups are making significant strides in enhancing female sport and recreation participation in the Emirate while thoughtfully navigating cultural expectations.

The research, spearheaded by Farah Zeyad Ali, a content strategist at Qatar Foundation and graduating student from the CSE’s Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management program, and supervised by Dr Christos Anagnostopoulos, Assistant Professor in Sport Management and UNESO Chairholder on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport, explores how these initiatives are reshaping the sporting landscape in Qatar.

As Qatar continues to develop women’s sport participation initiatives in alignment with Qatar Vision 2030, the study examines how grassroots women-only running groups operate within the country’s evolving sporting landscape. The research is particularly timely as Qatar Foundation recently announced plans to transform Education City Stadium into a dedicated sporting hub for women and girls.

The research also addresses Qatar’s significant gender gap in sport, where women account for less than 10% of athletes registered with sports federations. Through analysis of four women-only running groups in Qatar - Athletic Edge, Run the World, The Running Club, and 5am Club - the findings highlight how these grassroots organisations create culturally appropriate sporting spaces that facilitate increased participation among women.

The study involved in-depth interviews with participants across these running groups, including founders, administrators, coaches, and regular members. Half of the interview participants were Qatari nationals, while the other half were expatriate residents, most of Arab/Muslim background, representing diverse perspectives within the women’s running community.

Commenting on the findings, Ali explained “what we found offers a different perspective on women’s sport development.

“In Qatar’s cultural context, gender-exclusive environments function not as barriers to overcome but as essential resources that directly enable participation through cultural alignment.”

One major challenge identified in the study is the limited availability of private, women-only spaces, which restricts participation levels. The running groups address this by carefully choosing routes, schedules, and locations that are culturally appropriate. The study also examined how these groups maintain low membership fees to ensure accessibility, often foregoing profitability. Moreover, the importance of culturally knowledgeable coaches was underscored, as they play a key role in meeting the specific cultural needs of participants.

Ali added “these women-only spaces are paving the way for sustainable participation that respects cultural values while promoting physical activity.

“Their success underscores the necessity of culturally aligned approaches in sports development.”

Highlighting the importance of aligning sport development with women’s needs, Dr Anagnostopoulos, founder of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport, noted “understanding what women in sports truly require is the first step; the next is championing their roles in leadership and decision-making to effect lasting change.

“The journey to empowering women in sports governance begins with actively listening to the voices of women athletes - both at recreational and elite levels - and responding to their needs. Decisions impacting women in sports should incorporate women’s insights, fostering a deeper understanding and alignment with their unique perspectives.”

This comprehensive study was conducted under the auspices of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport, established in March 2023 and embedded within HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering. Through this initiative, the study aimed to contribute to sustainable and culturally aligned enhancements in women’s sports participation across Qatar.

Click here for more information about HBKU’s CSE. 

Images: Women-only running groups are growing in Qatar (top and middle, credit: Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Science and Engineering) and an International Women's Day event in Qatar (below, credit: Qatar Foundation).

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