Presentation Title : The Girl Child in Football Career; Debacles and Progress. From the Lens of the Southwest Region in Cameroon.
Can you tell us about your research field and why you chose this particular area ?
My primary research field lies within the domain of management sciences; however, my interests extend into multidisciplinary realms. Growing up as a young girl, I developed a keen interest in football and actively participated in the sport until a certain stage of my life. Witnessing talented girls shying away from football due to various external factors deeply impacted me. I observed firsthand how talents and skills went to waste while poverty prevailed both in the economy and within their households. This denial of opportunity fueled my desire to explore the benefits of soccer for women and advocate for the need for girls in the Anglophone region to overcome barriers hindering their growth and expression of talent.
What does the Young African Scholars Symposium mean to you, and why did you decide to apply ? What are your expectations for this event ?
The Young African Scholars Symposium serves as a platform where young scholars from across Africa convene to engage in discussions and debates concerning their economies, nations, and the continent as a whole.
Initially, I was somewhat indifferent to this opportunity until I stumbled upon the theme focusing on African sports and athletes. This resonated deeply with me as it aligns with my long-standing aspiration to conduct research and propose solutions aimed at shifting the narrative surrounding Anglophone culture, which often acts as a barrier for young girls in football. I believe that by presenting my findings on an international stage, we can begin to reshape perceptions and create opportunities for Anglophone girls in the soccer arena.
My expectations for this symposium are twofold. Firstly, I hope to collaborate closely with my mentor to ensure that my work meets the criteria for presentation. Secondly, I aspire to achieve the objectives outlined in my study, ultimately contributing to positive change within the realm of women's soccer in Anglophone communities.
What challenges do you face as a young scholar in Africa, both in your specific field and in general ?
As a young researcher in Africa, I grapple with several challenges, chief among them being the availability of data for research, crafting a viable questionnaire, and navigating the complexities of data analysis. In addition to the common hurdles of financial constraints and unreliable internet connectivity, conducting research in Cameroon presents unique obstacles, especially in accessing primary data, which is essential for this study.
One of my primary concerns revolves around persuading potential respondents to participate in the survey. In my context, convincing individuals to engage in research endeavors is often a daunting task as research is not widely valued. Overcoming this barrier requires innovative strategies and persistent efforts to demonstrate the importance and relevance of the study to the community.
How do you think the Symposium for Young African Researchers can help address some of these challenges ? What solutions or opportunities do you think it could provide for Young Researchers like you ?
It can primarily contribute to achieving the study's objectives. Secondly, through mentoring and collaboration, it can provide insights into improving questionnaire design, offer guidance on effectively administering surveys to respondents in a cost-effective and less burdensome manner, and assist with data analysis. The symposium offers numerous opportunities, including gaining a deeper understanding of research methods and analysis techniques.
Presenting on this topic will allow me to fulfill my dream of raising awareness about the numerous benefits of women's involvement in soccer, both globally and specifically within anglophone communities.
If funded, it would empower me to initiate a grassroots girls' football league in the Anglophone Regions of Cameroon. Additionally, it could encourage educational institutions, the Cameroonian government, and local communities to support and engage in such initiatives.
What are your future prospects in your research field and as a young researcher in Africa ?
My career aspiration as a researcher is to advance up the academic ladder by conducting impactful research and publishing my findings. When I refer to meaningful research, I envision studies that offer solutions to existing problems in a clear and accessible manner. Achieving this goal requires continuous personal research endeavors and active participation in conferences, symposiums, seminars, and workshops to establish a network of fellow researchers within Africa and beyond. I recognize that the strength of my network will significantly influence my professional growth. Additionally, I aspire to mentor and support young African scholars, guiding them towards their own academic success. For me, true success in academia lies in empowering others and leaving a positive impact on the scholarly community.
Can you give us an overview of your presentation during the Symposium and explain why attendees should come to listen to you ? What do you hope to convey or share with them ?
My presentation is titled "The Girl Child in Football Careers: Challenges and Progress from the Perspective of the Anglophone Regions in Cameroon." The motivation behind selecting this theme stems from my desire to realize a long-standing dream, as previously explained.
The presentation aims to address the challenges faced by girls pursuing football careers comprehensively. It specifically aims to assess the roles of parents/guardians, educational institutions, and the government in promoting girls' participation in football sports in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. Data collection will primarily involve quantitative methods to inform policy recommendations.
This presentation stands out as it diverges from the norm of symposiums typically not focusing on sports and the girl child. It will provide valuable insights for attendees, including parents, government officials, and educational authorities, on how to support and showcase the talents of gifted girls. By achieving these objectives, we can contribute to Africa's developmental goals and advance the vision of women's soccer development outlined by CAF.