Overcoming Limitations of Women's Involvement in Sports and Physical Exercises in Nigeria: Implications for National Productivity and Economy

Abstract

Sports and physical exercises are mirror of the society. The society is seen in sports and physical exercises just as sports and physical exercises are seen in the society. Physical exercises take place in a socio-cultural setting and are influenced by some socio-cultural forces. It is a global recognition especially among the feminists that women have equal right with men to participate in sports and physical exercises without any limitations. However, some societies including Nigeria have some socio-cultural barriers to women's involvement in physical exercises. The paper discusses the social, environmental, psychological, anatomical and physiological, and cultural limitations of women's involvement in sports and physical exercises in Nigeria, and their implications for national productivity and economy were highlighted. It was recommended among other things that adequate and accessible sports facilities and equipment should be made available for women at homes, workplaces and schools; more emphasis should be placed on sports and physical exercise education in all sectors of the society especially the educational institutions; and ministries of sports, culture and tourism, education and other sport-related institutions should sensitize people of the need for physical exercise by all.

Key words: Social, culture, anatomy, physiology, psychology, environment.