MONROVIA – The secretary-general of the FC Barcelona Supporters Club Liberia Chapter, Naomi Tappia, has called on female fans of the Spanish football giants to actively join the organization, stressing the need to bridge the gender gap in local sports fandom and administration.
By: Christopher C. Walker | 0777898224 / 0886723075 | [email protected]
Speaking in an interview with FrontPageAfrica, Tappia said that while the club remains open to all Barcelona enthusiasts across Liberia, mobilizing and recruiting women is currently one of her primary objectives.
Tappia, who assumed office six months ago, noted that while the current female membership is encouraging, there remains a significant gap in female compared to male participation.
“As an advocate for female participation in sports, I believe women have an important role to play in sporting organizations and fan communities,” Tappia said. “I believe a lot of women are interested in sports holistically, but some refrain from participating due to systemic barriers, sexism, and self-doubt.”
She urged women to bypass these barriers, adding: “Reaching out to them through this medium and other channels is essential to encourage them to resist whatever may be serving as a hindrance to their participation.”
Internal Reforms and Leadership Support
Tappia praised the president of the chapter, Thomas T. Nyenkan, for prioritizing gender inclusion and spearheading institutional reforms to revitalize the supporters’ club.
According to Tappia, Nyenkan’s commitment to diversity is reflected in the appointment of several women as chairs and co-chairs of various committees. She also commended the broader leadership team, which took office in early 2026, for fostering an inclusive environment.
She also paid tribute to former Acting President Nelther Garblah, calling her a trailblazer for women within the fan base. Garblah became the first woman to lead the supporters’ club following the resignation of the organization’s president emeritus.
“The courage to accept such a role in a male-dominated environment is commendable,” Tappia said. “She is a role model for other women and girls in the FC Barcelona Fans Club organization and beyond to aspire to higher positions and eliminate feelings of inadequacy.”
Advancing Women in Sports Media
Beyond fan engagement, Tappia who also mentors and trains aspiring female sports journalists believes that growing the supporters’ club’s female base will support broader efforts to bring more women into Liberian sports media and administration.
“The recruitment of more women into this organization will serve as a catalyst for the growth of my initiative as I seek to expand the mobilization of women across Montserrado and other counties.”Naomi Tappia, Secretary-General
Tappia expressed optimism that sustained outreach and empowerment initiatives will make the supporters’ club a more inclusive and robust organization in the years ahead.
