Empowerment and human development through softball in Peru: In athletes and coaches

Abstract

Objectives: Describe the process of female empowerment through softball in Peru, examining the interaction between sport and human development. Identify the challenges and commitments faced by athletes and professionals involved in this discipline. Analyze the sociocultural impact of competitive sport on their lives.

Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The personal experiences and perceptions of the 10 research participants (2 athletes, 3 coaches, 1 manager, 1 referee and 3 parents), with ages between 34 and 60 years, and experience in sports practice that varied between 6 and 40 years, providing a diversity of perspectives on the discipline.

Results: It was revealed that softball acts as a catalyst to improve the quality of life and education of athletes, promoting an environment of empowerment and facilitating the development of key skills such as resilience and self-confidence. The significant impact of softball on women from disadvantaged backgrounds is highlighted, opening doors to academic and professional opportunities.

Conclusion: Softball as a competitive sport is key to female empowerment and human development in Peru, it offers improvements in the quality of life and professional growth of athletes. The lack of institutional support limits its potential. It is essential to increase recognition and support for this sport to maximize its sociocultural impact. It is recommended to strengthen policies to support competitive sport to ensure resources and promote its benefits.