Women Volleyball Players' Exposure to Ethical Violations: An Analysis From a Feminist Governance Perspective

This study aims to examine the ethical violations to which female volleyball players (N=8) are exposed in sports environments from a feminist governance perspective. To this end, a qualitative descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews with eight purposively selected female volleyball players. The data obtained were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). The research findings were organized into two main themes: "Problems Arising from Governance Weaknesses" and "Reproduction of Gender Norms." The findings reveal that the lack of institutional complaint mechanisms and athlete safeguarding policies in sports organisations paves the way for hierarchical power abuse, the normalisation of violence, and the formation of a "culture of silence". Furthermore, it was found that female athletes are monitored through their bodies and clothing, gender-based inequalities in resource distribution persist, and sports institutions reproduce rather than transform gender norms. The study emphasizes the need for feminist governance models based on accountability and participation, rather than individual-focused approaches, and the localisation of athlete protection programmes in line with international standards to prevent ethical violations in sport.