On the way to the top level: Women in Leadership Positions in Sports Organizations and a Strategy Proposal for the Czech Handball Federation

The thesis focuses on identifying and addressing gender inequalities in the leadership of sports organizations, specifically within the Czech Handball Federation. It draws from the historical context of discrimination against women and compares the current status of women in leadership within both commercial and non-commercial sports organizations. The thesis aims to identify key factors that prevent women from achieving leadership positions in these organizations and to propose strategic measures to increase their representation and motivation. The study analyzes current data, utilizes existing studies, and is supplemented with semi-structured interviews with experts from the fields of sports and commerce. The results indicate that prejudices and gender stereotypes are the primary barriers hindering women's advancement to higher positions and that including women in management can offer a significant competitive advantage. Based on comparisons with the commercial sector, measures are proposed that could alter this situation. These proposed measures are organized into specific steps of an implementation plan spanning five years. This text contributes to the discussion on gender equality in sports organizations and offers specific strategies for improving the situation within the Czech Handball Federation. This work aims to serve as a guide for other sports organizations that wish to support equal opportunities and fair conditions for all athletes.