Status of Female Participation in Football in Sierra Leone

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Despite the growing global recognition of women’s football, female participation in football in Sierra Leone remains under-researched, creating important gaps in knowledge about the factors shaping women’s involvement and progression in the sport. This study examined the factors influencing the status and level of female participation in football in Sierra Leone and identified the major barriers and opportunities affecting women’s involvement as players, referees, coaches, managers, and other football officials. A descriptive survey design was employed. The target population comprised 1,000 female football stakeholders, from which 327 respondents were selected using Slovin’s formula at a 94.2% confidence level and ±5% margin of error. The sample comprised 286 female football players selected through simple random sampling and 41 football administrators, including coaches, managers, and referees, selected purposively. A 92% questionnaire response rate was achieved. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings indicated that female participation in football was influenced by interrelated social, cultural, economic, institutional, and infrastructural factors. Social factors, particularly stereotypes and stigmatization, ranged from 19% to 29% across the regions, while cultural factors relating to parental and family support ranged from 15 % to 21%. Economic factors, including self-employment and livelihood opportunities, ranged from 4% to 28%, whereas infrastructural constraints, particularly limited access to sporting facilities and equipment, ranged from 13% to 28%. Institutional and administrative barriers, particularly discrimination, ranged from 12.5% to 37.5%. These findings demonstrate that female participation in football in Sierra Leone was shaped by a combination of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, and infrastructural constraints. Economic hardship affected female participation by 28%, while inadequate sporting facilities and limited access to training facilities were reported by 25% and 13%, respectively. Weak institutional support and insufficient sponsorship were identified as constraints by 25% and 28%, respectively, while low media visibility and inadequate motivation accounted for 12.5% and 18%, respectively. These factors constrained female participation in football and limited opportunities for sustained career advancement. Gender stereotypes, stigmatisation, discrimination, negative cultural perceptions, and limited public acceptance further restricted women’s participation and access to leadership and officiating roles. Although stakeholder interventions have contributed to gradual improvements, they remain fragmented and inadequate for sustainable development. The study concludes that female participation in football in Sierra Leone is increasing but remains structurally constrained. It recommends increased investment, improved infrastructure, gender-inclusive policies, strengthened grassroots programmes, expanded media coverage and sponsorship, and integration of women’s sports development into national education policy.