More than one hundred attendees gathered in Palma for the roundtable discussion titled “Women in male-dominated sports”, an event organised by the Balearic Institute for Women (IBDONA) as part of the activities commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8. The meeting took place at the Centro de Enseñanza Superior Alberta Giménez (CESAG) and brought together professionals from the sports, educational and institutional sectors to analyse the role and challenges of women in sports traditionally dominated by men.
The discussion was moderated by Maria de Mar Gomila, project management technician at IBDONA. The panel included several prominent figures from the sports world: RCD Mallorca delegate Anabel Soto, motorcycle racer Pakita Ruiz, underwater fisher Malen Sart, rugby player Marta Lliteras and Carmina Vera, president of the Professional Association of Physical Education and Sports Educators of the Balearic Islands. The Government of the Balearic Islands was represented by the Director General of Sports, Joan Antoni Ramonell, and the director of IBDONA, Cati Salom.
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More than one hundred people attended the roundtable “Women in male-dominated sports” organised by IBDONA
Throughout the session, participants emphasised the importance of female role models in sports, particularly in disciplines where women have historically had less visibility. The speakers also addressed the cultural and structural barriers that continue to limit equal participation and recognition for women athletes.
The discussion highlighted the transformative role that education, sports management and public institutions can play in promoting fairer and more inclusive sporting environments. Participants stressed that future professionals in the sports sector have a key responsibility in ensuring equal opportunities and fostering inclusive practices within sporting communities.
The roundtable is part of the “Mirall Esportiu” program promoted by the regional Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the island councils, with the aim of encouraging reflection and dialogue about gender equality in sport.
As part of the broader International Women’s Day program, several additional initiatives focused on women and sport have also been organised. Among them is a professional conference dedicated to women, physical activity and sport, which also attracted more than one hundred participants. Upcoming initiatives include the photography competition “Women and Sport”, featuring a total prize fund of €6,000, and the documentary report “Entrenant en igualtat”, highlighting young elite athletes from the Balearic Islands Sports Technification Centre.
In parallel, the regional government has launched the campaign “Equality is the key match. We continue opening paths”, featuring Balearic athletes Cata Coll and Alba Torrens. Both internationally recognised sportswomen represent excellence, dedication and the growing visibility of female talent in the Balearic Islands, while symbolising the progress made by women competing at the highest level despite historically facing fewer resources and limited media coverage.