By Joseph S. Conteh
In a groundbreaking move towards gender equality and empowerment, the National Sports Authority Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai announced a significant increase in government support for the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League. The unveiling of 3.5 billion Old Leones for the 2024-2025 season marks a substantial boost from last year’s 2.8 billion Old Leones sponsorship.
The SLFA’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Bawoh, commended the government’s ongoing commitment to women’s football, highlighting President Bio’s dedication to empowering women in sports.
Dr. Abdulai emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within the league, urging the Female Premier League Board to uphold proper structures to ensure value for money.
In a call for gender equality, she encouraged all stakeholders to advocate for equal pay for female and male players, signaling a progressive shift towards a more inclusive and fair sporting environment. The increased government support not only signifies a financial investment in women’s football but also a symbolic step towards recognizing and valuing the contributions of female athletes in Sierra Leone.