bbc.com
Menstrual Health Taboo Hinders African Women's Football
African women footballers face challenges due to menstruation, including cultural taboos and period poverty; CAF is actively working to improve the situation by promoting open conversations and providing support.
- How does period poverty affect female footballers' participation in the sport, and what measures are being proposed to alleviate the problem?
- Akida's experience underscores broader systemic issues impacting African women's football: the cultural taboo surrounding menstruation, coupled with period poverty, hinders athletic performance and participation. The CAF's initiative to create a more supportive environment for players is a positive step. However, the persistent challenges, such as limited access to sanitary products and the predominantly male coaching staff, indicates the need for more comprehensive and sustained efforts.
- What are the most significant challenges faced by female footballers in Africa regarding menstrual health, and how is CAF addressing these issues?
- \"In Kenya, unlike her experience playing professionally in Europe, Kenyan international Esse Akida faced challenges with menstruation, where teammates with heavy periods couldn't play and she herself played uncomfortably while menstruating.\" This highlights the significant cultural difference and lack of support for female athletes' health needs in African football. The CAF, since 2021, aims to address this by promoting open conversations about menstrual health among coaches and staff, and the FIFA's 2023 project revealed that about 35% of African players sometimes use old cloths as substitutes due to period poverty.
- What are the long-term implications of breaking the taboo around menstruation in African women's football, and what role can increased female representation in coaching and management play in achieving this?
- The long-term impact of addressing this issue could lead to improved athletic performance and increased participation of women in African football. By breaking the taboo surrounding menstruation, it may encourage a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment. The involvement of more female coaches and staff would also be beneficial to create a supportive and understanding atmosphere that directly addresses the specific needs and health concerns of female athletes.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue around the challenges and taboos surrounding menstrual health in African women's football. While this is a valid and important concern, the framing might inadvertently create a narrative that paints African football as lagging behind in this area compared to other regions. The repeated emphasis on the lack of understanding and support highlights the negative aspects more than potential progress or positive initiatives. The headline itself, "Briser le « tabou » de la santé menstruelle dans le football féminin africain", sets this tone immediately.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and informative. Words like "tabou" (taboo) and "défi" (challenge) accurately reflect the subject matter. However, phrases like "difficult de trouver de l'argent pour acheter des serviettes hygiéniques" (difficult to find money to buy sanitary napkins) might evoke stronger emotional responses than a more neutral phrasing, like "limited access to sanitary products".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges faced by female footballers in Africa regarding menstrual health, but it omits discussion on the support systems or initiatives already in place within some African countries to address these issues. It also doesn't explore potential solutions outside of increased female staff and awareness campaigns. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, including a brief mention of existing positive examples would provide a more balanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it implicitly frames the issue as a problem solely within African football, neglecting the global aspects of menstrual health and women's sports. This framing could unintentionally downplay the wider societal factors at play.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on the experiences of female athletes, giving voice to their challenges. The inclusion of perspectives from both players and CAF officials promotes a balanced view. However, the article could benefit from explicitly mentioning the role of male allies and initiatives that involve men in promoting menstrual health awareness.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the efforts of CAF and FIFA to address the challenges of menstrual health among female footballers in Africa. This directly relates to SDG 3, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Initiatives to break the silence around menstruation, provide access to menstrual products, and create a supportive environment for players contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes for female athletes. The initiatives also address the issue of period poverty, a significant barrier to health and well-being for many women.