Focus on the struggles as Brikama volleyball marks intl. month for women with exhibition

Pa Baboucarr Barrow, the center coordinator of the Brikama Volleyball Court has called on the government to create scholarship packages for female athletes to enhance female participation in sports.

Barrow, who doubles as the coach of the Gambia Beach Volley team told Gambia Sports that the Gambia has to invest in female sports to bring equity in terms of participation especially in Volleyball.

“As the theme of this year (International Women’s Day) is Gender Equity, we are trying to break the barriers. So, we deem it necessary as a center that currently has the largest young female players in the country to at least commemorate this occasion and show these girls what they can do. What capabilities they have, to show them what men can do women can do so.” 

“Some of them haven't seen that much direct benefit but in sports or life whatever you do there are long-term gains. The authorities should create more avenues for females, example; funds and scholarships for female athletes especially those who practice volleyball.”

Abie Kujabi, a female volleyball player of the Gambia Armed Forces told this reporter that women in Gambian sport should stand their ground amidst the seemingly daily struggles against stereotypes. She said society discriminates against women engaged in sports but it, in turn, helps them sharpen their focus, health and physicality.

“Participation of women in sports is lacking in our societies. We the women always have difficulties when playing because of the stereotype. Some people label us as useless and many other things. But I think sports make women intelligent, focused and dedicated and even look younger.” Abie said.

The Gambia International Beach Volleyball star who has many titles with the Gambia Armed Forces and represents the Gambia in many tournaments including the Africa Games and the Tokyo, Japan 2020 Olympic qualifier said women have more to do than occupying the kitchen.

“I have already proven that women in sports don't mean we lack certain things. In our societies, people think women should be at home focusing on home chores, but I prove it to the whole world that women should also do sport. And women who do sports look younger and they are more active than women who do not do sport.” And she said afterwards that she is very happy to see young female volleyball players practicing on the court on International Women's Day.

“I feel very happy and proud to see women in sports, especially the younger ones between the age of 9 to 16 playing volleyball and showcasing their talents, especially on the day of International Women's Day.” She spoke.

Caroline Mendy, a teacher cum volleyball player for the Brikama Volleyball female team says her passion for playing volleyball is what is keeping her practicing in the court.

“Going for studies at the University and going for work and coming for training is hard but for me, volleyball is something I am passionate about, and the passion is the driving force behind me coming here every day though there are challenges but then I am ready to overcome those challenges.”

She added.

“What I believe and what I used to tell them is that let them not allow anybody define them, they have to define themselves.”

The Brikama Volleyball Centre under the tutelage of Pa Baboucarr Barrow commemorated International Women's Day by staging a volleyball exhibition game between female volleyball players within Brikama and its satellite villages.

By Ebrima KB Sonko