When we think about sports, we often associate it with male dominance, thereby marginalizing women. We tend to overlook the significant role they play in keeping the sports industry running. In the Ghanaian sports industry, women contribute in various capacities as athletes, administrators, coaches, and supporters.
Some Ghanaian women work on advocacy and empowerment initiatives within the sports industry. They focus on issues such as gender equality, fair representation, and opportunities for women and girls in sports. An example of a Ghanaian organization would be The Women’s Football Development Department of the Ghana Football Association, which has taken note of the gender gap in the industry. In response, they have organized a campaign to champion the cause of Women’s Football in Northern Ghana. This campaign, part of the department’s efforts to promote women’s football nationwide, was done in collaboration with the Upper East, Upper West, and Northern Regional Football Associations. The engagement centred around promoting the sport among girls and encouraging their active participation in different aspects of the football industry, including playing the game.
The Ghana women’s football team, known as the Black Queens, is becoming more noticeable, currently competing in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in the qualification sector and in other international competitions.
Women also play significant roles in administrative positions, including sports management, marketing, and governance, contributing to decision-making and policymaking within the sports industry. Additionally, Ghanaian women have made a mark in coaching across different sports. Efforts are being made to encourage more women to pursue coaching careers. While progress has been made, challenges such as gender stereotypes, limited opportunities, and unequal representation persist. Ongoing efforts aim to promote gender equality in the Ghanaian sports industry, including initiatives to encourage more girls to participate in sports, address gender biases, and create equal opportunities for women in leadership positions.
