Female sports journalists must take ownership of women sports – Charles Osei Asibey

Banjul, Gambia. The Secretary-General of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, has called for a radical shift in the media’s approach to women’s sports. Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Osei Asibey underscored that the lack of visibility for female athletes remains a systemic failure within the African press, urging journalists to move beyond traditional biases to help women sports reaching the level of prestige and commercial viability as men’s sports
Mr. Osei Asibey highlighted the proactive steps taken by SWAG to lead by example, noting that the association has three women on the executive body and has successfully integrated women into its core ranks. Currently, 15% of SWAG’s membership is female, a figure the association is actively working to increase by creating a formal space for women within the organization, SWAG aims to build a foundation where female voices are not just present but influential in shaping the narrative of Ghanaian and African sports.
However, "The Barrister," as he is affectionately known, was candid about the steep hurdles that remain. He identified religion as a major barrier, particularly in regions where traditional beliefs may inadvertently discourage women from pursuing careers in the public eye or participating in sports culture. These deeply rooted social norms often create an invisible ceiling that prevents talented women from even entering the press box.
Mr. Osei Asibey further expanded on the role of education as a double-edged sword. While it is the key to professional growth, a lack of specialized training in sports journalism for women has historically left them at a disadvantage. Without targeted educational initiatives and mentorship programs, the gap between male and female sports writers will continue to widen, making it harder for women to claim their rightful place in the industry.
Central to his argument was the issue of self-confidence. Mr. Osei Asibey noted that the male-dominated nature of sports newsrooms often erodes the confidence of aspiring female journalists. This psychological barrier prevents many from asserting themselves in high-pressure environments, such as covering major tournaments or interviewing top-tier athletes, leading to a cycle of exclusion that is difficult to break without institutional support.
A particularly poignant point in his statement addressed a paradoxical problem where women journalists not covering women. Mr. Osei Asibey observed that even when women enter the profession, they often gravitate toward covering men’s dominated sports or high-profile male athletes to gain professional "legitimacy." This trend leaves women’s sports even further neglected, as the very people who could offer the most nuanced perspectives are looking elsewhere.
He challenged female sports writers to take ownership of the women’s sports. By choosing to cover female athletes, women journalists can provide the depth and empathy required to tell these stories authentically. This "internal" lack of coverage by female peers is a major bottleneck that prevents women's sports from reaching the same level of prestige and commercial viability as men’s sports.
The Secretary-General urged media houses across the continent to implement policies that incentivize the coverage of women’s sports and individual female stars. He argued that the growth of the sports industry in Africa is inextricably linked to how we treat the "other half" of the population. Without a deliberate editorial focus on women, the African sports story remains incomplete and economically undervalued.