Oluwamayowa Fakande and Pwaveno Jerryman
The landscape of sports in Africa has long been dominated by a male-centric narrative, creating a challenging environment for the encouragement of female participation. A recent survey conducted by an Economic Community of West African States worker unveiled a stark reality – in countries like Lesotho, Malawi, and others, there is a glaring absence of organized sports activities for girls.
While there is a growing number of female participants in sports, the survey underscores the pressing need to establish equal opportunities, access to skills, and capacity development for women. Despite progress, gender norms and cultural biases persist as hurdles, making it imperative to address the existing disparities.
Teenage girls in these regions express a common sentiment – a lack of designated spaces for them to engage in sports. Community fields, perceived as reserved for boys, create a discouraging atmosphere. The few girls who attempt to participate face resistance, being told to vacate or experiencing harassment. These challenges contribute to the persistent low levels of women’s involvement in sports in these areas.
Another significant barrier is the reluctance of parents to grant permission for their daughters to participate in sports. Concerns about safety outside the home, potential assaults, or simply the belief that sports is not a priority for girls contribute to this hindrance. In contrast, males are often free to engage in sports activities outside their homes without such restrictions.
Abuja City TV conducted interviews with women actively participating in sports, revealing a chorus of complaints. Angela, an experienced badminton player, highlighted the lack of funding for female athletes, hindering their participation in competitions and opportunities for advancement. Another athlete shared the disparities in pay between male and female players, emphasizing the need for fair compensation.
Despite strides in women’s sports, substantial challenges persist, including issues of equal pay, visibility, and training conditions. A policy aiming for gender balance on sports boards by mid-2026 sets ambitious targets for women’s representation in executive and non-executive seats. However, the road to equal pay remains arduous, with international federations lagging behind in providing fair compensation for female athletes.
FIFA’s recent announcement of a 300% increase in bonuses for the 2023 Women’s World Cup is a positive step in narrowing the pay gap. Nevertheless, a significant disparity still exists between bonuses awarded to male and female athletes in major tournaments. Health considerations, including the menstrual cycle and related medical conditions, add another layer of complexity for female athletes, demanding attention and accommodation.
As the challenges persist, women in sports continue to break barriers, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality in the realm of athletics.
