Seye Amadou Anna1, Ousmane Ba2, and Dieng Omar3
1 Laboratoire des sciences et techniques des activités physiques et sportives-jeunesse et loisirs (STAPS-JL, INSEPS, UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
2 Enseignant-Chercheur à l’Institut National Supérieur de l’Éducation Populaire et du Sport (INSEPS), Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), Dakar, Senegal
3 Laboratoire C3S EA 4660, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Senegal
Original language: English
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Abstract
Women’s participation in sports governance remains a major issue in Senegal and, more broadly, in Africa. Although legislative and symbolic advances (notably the 2010 parity law) have led to some progress, their actual presence in decision-making positions remains limited. This article offers a cross-analysis of two cases: the Senegalese Volleyball Federation, often cited as a relative model of openness, and the Senegalese Rugby Federation, where resistance is more pronounced. We clarified and strengthened the methodological protocol, justified the comparative choice of the two federations, and introduced more measurable empirical data to support the analyses. Drawing on semi-structured interviews and field observations, we highlight the organizational and socio-cultural obstacles faced by women leaders, as well as the strategies they develop, such as female solidarity, alternative leadership styles, and mentoring. The study reveals contrasting results, supported by specific comparative examples, which provide a clearer understanding of the mechanisms through which gender relations are reproduced or transformed. It also shows that the strategic use of digital media can serve as a potential lever to enhance the visibility and legitimacy of women in sports governance. In addition, the comparative analysis indicates that the disciplinary context and the historical trajectories of federations strongly influence women’s access to decision-making positions and their capacity to bring about lasting change.
Author Keywords: sports governance, women’s leadership, gender, federation.
