Delegates at the 2025 African Women in Sports Initiative Summit used their meeting to deliver a direct warning about rising domestic violence and the growing number of young sportswomen facing exploitation.
The summit brought together women from across the continent, who argued that many cases begin with boys who grow up without the moral guidance traditionally given to girls.
Speakers said the problem is already visible within sport. They described cases where federation officials, coaches, and team doctors pressure young athletes by trading promises of team selection and federation roles for personal favors.
Delegates linked this behaviour to what they called a long running cultural imbalance that sees girls raised with strict guidance on respect, discipline, and social responsibility, while boys often receive little comparable instruction.
According to the participants, this gap has produced men who struggle with empathy and accountability and who often become abusive partners or absentee fathers.
They urged men in sport, including administrators, coaches, players, and fathers, to take a more active role in shaping the values of their sons and to raise boys who can become responsible husbands, leaders, and professionals.
The summit also heard that many women remain trapped in abusive relationships because of fear of public shame. Others face the reality of having no support systems, especially those from low income families.
Delegates closed with a call for homes and sports institutions to prioritise the upbringing of boys with the same care and discipline given to girls.
They said this shift is essential for reducing gender based violence and strengthening both families and sporting communities.
