Exploring The Experiences Of Women In Sports Leadership Positions In Ghana

Abstract

The study examines the experiences of women in sports leadership positions in the Ghanaian sports industry. The study adopted an interpretive research paradigm. The study further adopted the use of the phenomenological research design framework. A total of 13 respondents were selected using purposive, and snowball sampling approaches for the in-depth interviews. Eight participants were selected for the focus group discussions via convenience sampling. The data was collected using interview guides and analysed with the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). First, the data analysis identified that the barriers affecting women’s involvement in sports leadership are individual mindsets, structural barriers, and institutional barriers. Again, the study found that determination, work-life balance, access to opportunities, socio-cultural stagnation, and role incongruity characterise the nexus of personal, socio-economic and cultural factors that influence women’s participation in sports leadership. It was also realised that transcending perceived barriers of involvement, positive professional experiences, and career development opportunities sparked interest and inspired current Ghanaian women sports leaders. The proposed strategies to improve women’s participation in sports leadership include leadership training, and development, organisational support for leadership diversity, equal access to opportunities, and social support that targets youthful leadership in sports. The study recommends that policymakers should create a new National Sports Policy that capitalizes on the strengths of contemporary evolved sports culture, and current gender issues to mitigate the loopholes and concerns raised in past policy and legislation.