Strategies for Advancing Women’s Participation and Leadership in Nigerian Sport Management: Challenges, Interventions, and Future Pathways

• Author(s): Adeyemo Tolulope Christianah
• Paper ID: 1709624
• Page: 619-632
• Published Date: 16-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 1 July-2025

Abstract

Despite the growing global emphasis on gender equity in sport, Nigerian sport management remains male-dominated, particularly in leadership roles. This paper critically examines the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers limiting women's participation and advancement within the sport management sector in Nigeria. Drawing on intersectional feminist theory and sport development frameworks, the study analyses policy documents, stakeholder interviews, and media content to assess current practices and identify gaps. It further explores successful strategies from comparable Global South contexts and evaluates their applicability in Nigeria. Key recommendations include policy reform, targeted mentorship programmes, gender-sensitive recruitment and leadership pipelines, and strategic collaborations with NGOs and international sport bodies. The paper concludes by proposing a context-driven, multi-stakeholder model for fostering inclusive sport leadership in Nigeria. The findings have implications for sport federations, education providers, and policymakers committed to sustainable gender inclusion in African sport ecosystems.

Keywords

Women in Sport, Sport Leadership, Gender Equity, Nigerian Sport Management, Female Participation

Citations

IRE Journals:
Adeyemo Tolulope Christianah "Strategies for Advancing Women’s Participation and Leadership in Nigerian Sport Management: Challenges, Interventions, and Future Pathways" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 619-632

IEEE:
Adeyemo Tolulope Christianah "Strategies for Advancing Women’s Participation and Leadership in Nigerian Sport Management: Challenges, Interventions, and Future Pathways" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)