LFA 3rd VP Calls for Increased Women’s Participation in Sports Journalism

Published: October 16, 2024

Monrovia – The 38th anniversary speaker of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), Madam Jodie Reid-Seton, has called for increased participation of women in sports journalism in Liberia.

Despite the growing involvement of women in sports, Madam Seton, who serves as the Liberia Football Association’s (LFA) 3rd Vice President, pointed out the significant gender gap in media representation.

She urged SWAL’s leadership to take proactive steps by organizing gender-sensitive training sessions to promote equal representation.

“If SWAL is to move to the next level, we need to boost women’s participation in sports journalism,” Seton said during her keynote address at SWAL’s 38th anniversary dinner in Paynesville on October 11.

She further emphasized the need for fair and accurate portrayal of women in sports media. “We must ensure that women are represented equally and justly in sports reporting. This can be achieved by training sports journalists on gender-sensitive reporting,” she added.

As the head of women’s football at the LFA, Seton highlighted the role of sports in advancing gender equality and called on SWAL to become a platform for promoting this cause through its coverage.

In her address, Madam Seton also urged SWAL to prioritize capacity-building opportunities for sports journalists across the country. She stressed that such efforts would prepare SWAL for future challenges and help elevate its standing in the media landscape.

“We must explore opportunities for more capacity-building training for SWAL members to prepare for the next level,” Seton stated.

She also encouraged SWAL to embrace new technology, noting that the association must adapt to the rapidly evolving digital world to attract a wider audience. “SWAL needs to leverage online platforms to engage more followers. The push for digital transformation in Liberia cannot leave SWAL behind,” she said.

Moreover, Seton called for the decentralization of SWAL’s activities beyond Montserrado County, urging the organization to extend its presence to all 15 counties in Liberia. “SWAL is the Sports Writers Association of Liberia, not just Montserrado. Let people in places like Barclayville, Grand Kru County, understand your work, not just Monrovia and a few urban areas,” she concluded.

Established in 1986, SWAL has played a crucial role in shaping sports journalism in Liberia and amplifying the voices of athletes, coaches, and fans. Over the past 38 years, it has been instrumental in fostering the growth of sports in the country.