SWAN President Benjamin Advocates for Gender Equality in Sports

Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), called for an end to gender stereotypes in sports reporting. He made this appeal while presenting at the Annual Women in Sports Leadership Training/Seminar for Journalists, organized by the Women Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Benjamin stressed the significant influence sports journalists have on public perception and the development of sports through their editorial choices. He noted that media coverage can reinforce barriers for women in sports or help dismantle them by recognizing their achievements.

He identified common practices that perpetuate gender bias, such as prioritizing men's competitions and focusing on female athletes' appearances rather than their performances. Benjamin urged journalists to critically examine their editorial criteria, particularly when women's competitions receive limited coverage.

He emphasized that gender-sensitive journalism is a professional responsibility for all involved in sports media, not just a women's issue.