Dr. Ketan R. Nizama
Physical Education
June 2025
Fostering inclusive and equitable environments requires an understanding of gender-based participation trends in high school athletics and physical education. The frequency, preferences, incentives, and obstacles affecting male and female students' participation in sports at two coeducational high schools were investigated in this study. Data were gathered from 40 students (20 males and 20 females) using a mixed-methods approach. Selected students and physical education teachers were interviewed qualitatively to augment the structured questionnaires. According to quantitative analysis, female students were more interested in individual sports and fitness activities, while male students participated more often and favored team sports. Males were more influenced by peer interaction, while females placed more emphasis on health benefits as motivational factors. Qualitative research revealed that obstacles that disproportionately impacted female participation included academic pressures, gender stereotypes, parental discouragement, and inadequate infrastructure. To encourage inclusivity, educators pushed for gender-neutral physical education programs, better facilities, and awareness campaigns. The study emphasizes how important it is to address structural and sociocultural issues in order to improve high school students' equitable participation in sports.
193- 206
© Airo Journals 2021
