Policy Mapping: A Global Overview

The Global Observatory maps national policies related to gender equality, women, girls, physical education, physical activity, and sport (PEPAS) as part of the initiative to track progress of governments in implementing measures to eliminated all forms of discrimination against women and girls for more equitable sporting cultures.

The mapping currently covers policy documents from the 40 countries highlighted below. Additional countries are under progress and will be published as they are available.

Policies by document type over time

In this visualisation, documents are grouped by document type. Check below all document types:

  • National Legislation: National Legislation refers to the body of laws and regulations formally adopted by a country’s legislative and executive authorities to establish binding legal norms within the national territory. It defines rights, obligations, and procedures for citizens, organizations, and public institutions. In contrast to policies, strategies, and action plans—which are managerial and programmatic—legislation is legal and enforceable. It provides the legal authority under which policies and strategies are implemented. 

  • National Policy: National Policy is a high-level framework established by the government to define a country’s vision, principles, and long-term objectives in a specific area (e.g., health, education, environment, sport). It articulates the “what” and “why”—what the government wants to achieve and why it matters. 

  • National Strategy: A National Strategy translates the policy’s broad objectives into specific goals, approaches, and priorities. It defines “how” the policy objectives will be achieved, including the means, stakeholders, and timelines involved. 

  • National Action Plan: National Action Plan is the operational document that details the specific actions, projects, timelines, and resources required to execute the strategy. It represents the “who, what, and when” of implementation. 

Policies by country

Policies by Thematic Axes

In the visualization below, the coverage of the 17 Thematic Axes is assessed for each policy document. Click on the black arrows to explore all Thematic axes.

For each Policy document listed, the assessment indicates whether the Thematic Axis is covered with or without a gender-specific focus in PEPAS, or whether it is not covered. Click on the document row to view further details (download link, remarks, Gender Equality provisions in Sports, Physical Activity and Physical Education, Target Groups, Cited Frameworks, etc)