On this edition of #PlayitDreamitTuesday, we have with us Mrs. Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, popularly known as Tobex, she is the Media Officer of Super Falcons, Nigeria, a sports writer and a passionate advocate for women’s football, and we will be discussing “Career in Sports: Challenges faced by the Female Race”

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Q1. What is your take on sports for development? It is a deliberate attempt of promoting sports activity in a community. I am glad that fame foundation has not been found wanting in this area, with partnership with various groups, govt, and local authorities

Q2 Research has shown that a huge number of women and girls hardly show interest in sports, or in pursuing a sports career. With your experience in sports, why do you think it is so?
A lot of girls see sports as an area meant for only the male gender. Majority believe sports will alter their outlook and make them look masculine. Lack of physical education tutors in their schools. Lack of access to facilities. No enlightenment on the gains of sports.

Q3. In building a career, there are challenges encountered when started out newly or on journey. What are the challenges faced by women and girls when starting/building a sport career?
A lot of buried talents due to body shaming. Sexual discrimination/harassment, sexual abuse. Lack of female role models. The concern for the right timing for procreation. Recognition and no television presence especially in the rural areas.

Q4. With all the numerous challenges women and girls face in #sports. What can be done to overcome such challenges?
Parents should help from an early age in propping a child’ self-esteem. Let your no be no in an emphatic manner. Be focused and progressive in your dreams. Never exchange your body for whatever reason. Open up to older women you can trust when in conflict of decisions.

Q5. Finally, what is your message to the girl out there, who is interested in a sports career?Nobody determines your success. Be disciplined, dogged and focused in your chosen sports career but most importantly make sure you are in the right sports where your potential/talent can be harnessed. A speed like Usain B should be on the tracks not tennis. Be in the right circle

Wow! this is a huge piece of advice to every girl out there. Thank you!

Until next week on another edition of #PlayitDreamitTuesday, keep talking #Sports4dev #Equalityforall and #Womeninsports.