Gender-related issues in the sport of pigeon racing

Abstract

The aim of this study was to discover the present situation of racing pigeon clubs and sport in Malta, with regards to women's participation in the sport and club socialisation, as well as to investigate whether there have been any significant changes during the past twenty years. A structured questionnaire was designed and three members from each club were interviewed, face-to-face, in various locations in Malta. Gender equality (or the lack of it) concerning this sport in Malta, was found to be more or less the same since its birth in 1946. Fourteen women were found to be registered as club members. In effect, this provided an opportunity for their husbands/partners to race their pigeons from two lofts. Nevertheless, four of these female members have been found to be active in the last five years. Additionally, four other women whose partners are/ were active members were also interviewed. An interesting finding, was that while nearly all male members' wives do not attend clubs, even for socialisation purposes, for the annual presentation of prizes and awards outside the clubs, the majority of them make it a point to attend. Other findings show that this sport is a very expensive one and according to most of the respondents' opinion this sport is also suitable for women. Finally, the need of further research on this matter was found to be necessary.