Kenya leads East Africa with the most cases of abuse against women athletes. A study from Aga Khan University found that 69 percent of sports violence cases happen there. This number jumped from 43 percent just two years ago. The research looked at problems women face across different sports teams.
Researchers asked 748 people from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania about their experiences. Most people were between 18 and 34 years old. They included athletes, coaches and team managers from 22 different sports. About 62 percent said they knew someone who faced abuse or experienced it themselves.
Verbal attacks happened most often according to the study findings. Sexual harassment affected 19 percent of people in Kenya. Tanzania had similar physical abuse rates as Kenya at 12 percent. Uganda reported fewer cases compared to its neighbors across most categories.
Women athletes face much higher risks than men do according to survey results. About 89 percent of Kenyan people agreed that female sports players encounter more danger. Power differences between coaches and players create many problems. Limited education about abuse makes the situation worse for everyone involved.
Fear stops most athletes from reporting these incidents to authorities. Many worry about losing their careers or facing punishment from coaches. Some athletes stay quiet because they need equipment or money from team leaders. The study recommends better training for coaches and stronger protection rules for all athletes.
Researchers asked 748 people from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania about their experiences. Most people were between 18 and 34 years old. They included athletes, coaches and team managers from 22 different sports. About 62 percent said they knew someone who faced abuse or experienced it themselves.
Verbal attacks happened most often according to the study findings. Sexual harassment affected 19 percent of people in Kenya. Tanzania had similar physical abuse rates as Kenya at 12 percent. Uganda reported fewer cases compared to its neighbors across most categories.
Women athletes face much higher risks than men do according to survey results. About 89 percent of Kenyan people agreed that female sports players encounter more danger. Power differences between coaches and players create many problems. Limited education about abuse makes the situation worse for everyone involved.
Fear stops most athletes from reporting these incidents to authorities. Many worry about losing their careers or facing punishment from coaches. Some athletes stay quiet because they need equipment or money from team leaders. The study recommends better training for coaches and stronger protection rules for all athletes.
