Most notorious perpetrators of SGBV in sports

Professor Nancy Booker, Dean of Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC), appeared on BBC World News’ Focus on Africa programme. She spoke about a study conducted by GSMC highlighting the widespread prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women athletes in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. According to the research, 82% of female athletes are more vulnerable to SGBV than their male counterparts. Verbal abuse emerged as the most common form of violation, followed by emotional, physical, and sexual abuse — often perpetrated by coaches, team officials, and even spectators. The study further indicates that professional and competitive athletes report higher levels of vulnerability, suggesting that prolonged exposure to sport increases the risk of abuse. “This empirical evidence constructively highlights the systemic and contextual challenges that contribute to the vulnerability of women in sport. It calls on all of us to take action and safeguard one of the most influential aspects of the region’s sporting landscape,” she said.