Underrepresentations of Women in Sports: A Push for Better Representation of Women 

Efe Ikhenaode

Historically, sports have been dominated by men and considered unsuitable for the so-called “weaker sex.” Today, however, sports have increasingly become a platform where female athletes can showcase their skills and achievements. Despite this level of progress, challenges still persist, including disparities in media coverage, pay equity, and societal perceptions.

Media representation is a critical area where disparities between male and female athletes are stark. Women’s sports receive significantly less media coverage compared to men’s sports, both in terms of quantity and quality. When covered, female athletes are often subject to gendered framing, focusing on their appearances or personal lives rather than their athletic achievements. This lack of coverage and biased portrayal contributes to the perception that women’s sports are less important or exciting.

Recall that at the Dean’s Cup tournament for the 2021/22 session, the champions for the female category had to fight tooth and nail for their prize and cup as opposed to their male counterparts. It becomes evident that female athletes often receive significantly lower compensation than males.

It can be stated that the University of Ibadan has made notable progress towards women’s participation in sports. They have established female teams in various disciplines, however, encouraging more female representation requires a stronger approach. Ensuring that female athletes have equal access to high-quality training facilities, equipment, and support services, such as medical and nutritional guidance, is crucial. Allocating equal funding for men and women’s sports programs will also contribute to leveling the playing field.

Visibility and media coverage also play a significant role in promoting women’s sports. Actively promoting women’s sports events through university channels and social media is essential. Highlighting female athletes’ achievements and stories can raise awareness and generate interest from other females. Partnerships with media outlets to provide coverage of women’s sports events could also help normalize and elevate female participation in sports.

Scholarship opportunities specifically for female athletes ensure they have the financial support to pursue their athletic and academic goals. It is important to ensure that scholarship opportunities are distributed equally between male and female athletes across all sports. This would in turn drive the interests of women in sports in the university community.

Collaboration and partnerships with organizations that promote women’s sports can leverage resources and expertise. Engaging in inter-university initiatives that promote friendly competition and collaboration in women’s sports fosters a supportive network. Although the university has witnessed several friendly games between the school female team and other schools, this has been limited to football.

By implementing these strategies, the university can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes that facilitates greater participation and representation in sports.