Isha Johansen facts for kids

Isha Tejan-Cole Johansen, born on December 25, 1965, is a businesswoman from Sierra Leone. She used to be the president of the Sierra Leone Football Association. Isha is one of only a few women in the world who have led a country's football association. She also owns a football club called F.C. Johansen.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Isha Johansen was born as Isha Tejan-Cole in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Her family, the Tejan-Coles, had a strong connection to football. Her father even helped start a football club called East End Lions F.C. in Freetown.

Isha grew up loving football. Her dad often took her to watch matches. She also played football with her brothers and their friends. She went to school in Freetown and later attended a boarding school in Yeovil, England.

Career in Football

Starting F.C. Johansen

Isha Johansen created her own football club, F.C. Johansen, in 2004. She started the club to help children whose lives were affected by the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002). The club aimed to give them guidance and new opportunities. F.C. Johansen began playing in Division One in 2011. The very next year, it was promoted to the Premier League.

Leading Sierra Leone Football (SLFA)

On August 3, 2013, Isha Johansen was chosen as the president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). She was the only candidate after others were not allowed to run.

As president, she launched "Powerplay." This program encourages women and girls to play football. It also helps them feel more confident and powerful. This initiative has support from both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football. She also started an annual African International Youth Tournament in 2009.

In 2016, there were questions about the SLFA's money. However, FIFA defended the SLFA. FIFA stated that they had no reason to believe any funds were misused. Isha Johansen stepped down as SLFA president in June 2021. She explained that her new role on the FIFA Council would require her to travel globally. Thomas Daddy Brima became the new SLFA president.

Role in African Football (CAF)

From 2017 to 2021, Johansen was a member of the executive committee for the Confederation of African Football (CAF). She also led the women's organizing committee. In May 2021, she became the vice-president of this committee. She continued to work on improving women's football across Africa.

Joining the FIFA Council

On March 12, 2021, Isha Johansen was elected to the FIFA Council. She won against Lydia Nsekera, who had held the position since 2013. This made Isha the first woman from West Africa to join the council. She was also the first person from Sierra Leone to be part of the 37-person team.

Other Activities

In 1993, Isha Johansen became the first woman publisher in Sierra Leone. She produced Rapture Magazine, which was an entertainment publication. She also worked as an editor for Ovation magazine. In 2006, she founded the Pink Charity Fund. This fund helps fight breast cancer. She also created the Women of Excellence Awards.

Personal Life

Isha Johansen was raised in a religious Muslim family. She is married to Arne Birger Johansen. He is the Norwegian Consul in Sierra Leone.