A Research Study On The Status And Conditions Of Women Track And Field Athletics In Sierra Leone

"The status and conditions of women track and field athletics in Sierra Leone" is a case study on Sierra Leone women.The main purpose of the research was to find out the problems surrounded the women in Sierra Leone that prevent them to take active part and performs well in track and field athletics sport in Sierra Leone.However,this is the first time a research of this nature is conducted in country to probe into the problems women faced that prevent them to participate fully in track and field athletics sport and how to find positive ways to improve the situation.Sierra Leone,since its independence in 1961,is a poor impoverish country and its little economy has been shattered by the ten year civil war.Its government and people find it very hard to cope with the daily life' s less to say support women sport which is already surrounded with myths and stereotypes.In Africa including Sierra Leone,women are surrounded with what is classified as psychological,physiological,technical socio-economic problems;including a large number of myths that unable them to take part and perform better than some of their male counterparts in track and field athletics sport that can be clearly seen in the Western world where women are encouraged and supported fully in all sports.The physiological differences between males and females are the main source of stereotyping,but culture and traditions misrepresents and exaggerate the male/female roles in society through cultural induced discrimination to the extent that basic freedom is denied the female type. These views are also shared by Countries in the sub-region that sport for women are harmful and immoral to the African society. Where social equality exists,the forces of democratic society can press for change,but when justified,on biological terms;a policy is enacted that prevents women' s capability for certain sports such as track and field athletics.Based on the investigation on the status and conditions of women track and field athletics sport in Sierra Leone,a thorough investigation was conducted through various means such as the questionnaire,interview and documentary methods in other to understand the problems,advantage and disadvantages that women in Sierra Leone are presently faced with.With the use of relevant reference materials and consultations with experts,target investigations,the researcher was able to come up with the following conclusions1.performance level of women in all track and field athletics events are very low and only few female athletes are able to make better time and distances in national and international competitions.2.The number of women and girls actually involved in track and field athletics sport is small as compared to their male counterparts.3.The number of coaches and teachers both trained and unqualified are too small to train and teach in the country.Also,the level of coaching of these coaches is very low and the number of athletes allocated to them is very high.This shows great impossibility for both coaches and athletes to achieve their objectives in both training and competitions.4.More emphasis is placed on the theory aspect in the Physical Health Education syllabus than the practical aspects.It also showed that the number of students in a class to be taught by one teacher with a minimal time and class period does not yield its true meaning for the students to have more play time,understand and choose sport like track and field athletics as part of their sports hobbies.5.Track and field athletics competition is not properly and regularly organized in the country whereby women in particular will be able to be seen and recognized to represent the country in international competitions.6.Policy of sport for women is not clearly stated,and funds allocated by the government for both schools and the country as a whole is far below what is expected to organized track and field competitions properly.7.facilities,equipments and support provided by the government for coaches,athletes and its people is far below expectations just as it is seen in the schools.8.The myths and stereotypes society have place on women concerning women sport,has left the women to be less interested in either taking part for their mutual benefits or bringing fame to the country.