Psycho-institutional and social implications of the practice of women's football in Abomey-Calavi (Benin)

This article examines the impact of the difficulties encountered by young girls involved in football in Abomey-Calavi. The main objective is to highlight the obstacles that hinder the career choice of female footballers, focusing on gender prejudices and some of the feelings they experience, both within their training framework and in their relationships with loved ones, in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi. The research carried out for this purpose uses a mixed data collection approach. The nature of the work is therefore qualitative and quantitative. Data from 105 informants are used here for quantification purposes. 18 of them contributed to the qualitative aspect of the work. The results highlight three major trends: the existence of realities that are often overlooked but very present in the world of women's football; social remarks and institutional actors having an impact on the practice of this sport by women; and perceptible social gaps between female footballers and their immediate environment. Analyzing these elements highlights the psychological and socio-institutional influences that shape the career paths of young female football enthusiasts, as well as certain deep-seated motivations that drive them to pursue their ambitions despite constraints.