Gender and Physical Activity: What We Can Learn from The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion?

Abstract

Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable disease. This study used the Ottawa Charter as a framework to explore responses for low physical activity caused by gender inequity. The researchers examined factors related to physical activity in women based on Ottawa Charter strategies. Promote the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of women about health issues, as well as work in socio-demographic factors as social support. The community level corresponds to the physical settings that affect physical activity. Lack of suitable places and facilities, absence of walking paths, neighborhood hazards, insufficient sports campaigns for women, shortage of government financial support for female athletes, and religious legislation in Islamic countries are the barriers to ensure physical activity in women. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the relevant advantages of physical activity in women across the Ottawa Charter declaration.

Keywords: Physical activity; Socioeconomic factor; Women.