DEVELOPING WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN SPORT FOR ALL: A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY

Abstract

The Main objective of this research is to explore the development of women's participation in sport for all. The research method employed in this study is qualitative, using the grounded theory approach based on the Strauss and Corbin method to construct the conceptual model of the research. The research population was selected through Tiefeninterview with experts in the field of sport for all from the Ministry of Sports, university professors in physical education and sports sciences and psychology, coaches of various sports disciplines, managers of sports federations, active experts in women's sports, and managers of sports clubs. Theoretical saturation was achieved after 15 interviews. For sampling, a purposive snowball sampling method was used. The findings revealed that the core category of attitude toward sport for all is related to the Central Phenomenon of 'facilitating sports,' 'motivators for participation,' and 'the role of sports officials' in connection with Casual Conditions. Necessary drivers and access to sports facilities were linked to contextual factors, while individual and social factors were associated with intervening factors. Increasing family awareness, sports developments, and cultural promotion of women's sports participation were tied to strategies. Physical-psychological outcomes, social outcomes, and psychological outcomes were categorized as outcomes in examining the development of women's participation in sport for all. Based on the research results, it is recommended that managers of sports organizations in Iraq establish specialized committees for women's sports within federations, create clear timeframes for the growth and development of women's sports, and conduct surveys among families to understand concerns and challenges related to women's lack of engagement in sports. These measures can help familiarize, organize, and promote women's participation in sport for all activities.