For the first time in History, the International Olympic Committee has announced there will be full gender parity on the field of play at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Over the years, the IOC’s dedication to gender equality has led to a steady increase in female athletes at the Olympics. Starting from 2.2% at the Paris 1900 Games, the percentage rose to 23% in Los Angeles in 1984, 44% in London in 2012, and 48% in Tokyo in 2020.
Key initiatives, in collaboration with International Sports Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), have ensured equal opportunities for female and male athletes, including:
- A gender-balanced sports programme, with 28 out of 32 sports fully gender-equal in Paris.
- A balanced number of medal events, with 152 women’s events, 157 men’s events, and 20 mixed-gender events.
More than half of the medal events at Paris 2024 will be open to female athletes. The IOC has also taken steps to increase the visibility of women at the Olympics, encouraging each team to have one female and one male flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony and to include at least one female and one male athlete in their delegation.
Though Paris marks a proud moment for women in sports, the IOC remains committed to addressing and closing the gender gap in sports beyond the Games, working with stakeholders to promote gender equality and using the power of sport to foster a more equal and inclusive society.