The FIFA Elite Referees Course which took place in October 2013 also saw an appreciable number of female referees going for a higher level in their career. One of the most outstanding participants given a special mention by the FIFA instructor was a young lady by the name of Precious Amara.
Over the past two months, the Technical committee has developed a coaching grassroots course and female participation has been quite impressive, clearly showing the knowledge and eagerness to develop.
There are women who have already made their mark in the sports arena. Women like Agnes Abu, a Championship of Africa referee, and Pamela Williams a leading sports director attached to the Ministry of Sports. Undoubtedly we need more
Sierra Leone missed out on qualifying for the biggest FIFA event of 2014, but the nation and its football association still has a lot at stake. African Sports Monthly had two questions for Isha Johansen, president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLAFA), on raising the role of women in football development
ASM: The SLAFA President’s office has an advantage on Sierra Leone’s national stage. What role can you play in getting more women Involved in sports and sports administration?
Isha Johansen: In terms of increasing awareness and participation by our young girls, we have to look at going back to the schools and incorporate football as one of the recreational sports being offered for physical education. During our days at school there was the option of volley ball, netball. In the U.K., I played badminton, hockey, table tennis, swimming. You had an option. Football for girls in schools should be a stepping stone in building that foundation for our young ladies. The Ministry of Education I believe will not be opposed
to this. It is a proposal that is in the making and will be submitted to them in the New Year.
ASM: What are you doing to improve the status of women in sports in Sierra Leone?
Isha Johansen: SLAFA has appointed a few women in standing committees. The Women's Committee, Media, Marketing, Finance, and Appeals committees all have women serving. This gives them the opportunity to understand the sport in depth and the challenges we have in our society. Based on this, they will be able to make meaningful contributions by way of advice and strategic planning.
For the first time the SLAFA is going to hold a Ladies Cup. This will see teams from across the country competing alongside the FA CUP and the Premier League. It will give us a good opportunity not only to zoom in on the quality of female players we have in the country, but also afford these teams ample time to play competitive games. The focus will be on the Ladies Cup not least because of its novelty and the awareness it will create.
women to come on board. I think it is all about inspiration. There are not so many of us around, but the few that are around are making an impact and this inspires other women. Given time, I think we will see more women coming on board.
by Lango Deen Sankoh