Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE world football governing body, FIFA, has a deliberate policy to promote the women’s game across the globe.
FIFA’s policy for women’s football is to grow the game by increasing participation, improving commercial value and creating opportunities for women.
The world football governing body also aims to protect female players and coaches through its regulatory framework.
“The FIFA Women’s Football Strategy charts the course for how FIFA works with its stakeholders to continue the growth of the women’s game.
“In place since 2018, the FIFA Women’s Football Strategy has been continuously monitored and remains dynamic to ensure it continues to deliver on the objectives set out by the overarching FIFA strategy, which is redefined ahead of each cycle,” writes FIFA on its website.
Most member associations have already started implementing this policy, including the England FA, which in April 2017 announced some reforms, which included an increase in the number of women in the association.
However, in some countries, including Zimbabwe, women feel they could be represented better.
But the upcoming ZIFA elections could present local women with a chance to change the script.
The new ZIFA statutes — overwhelmingly adopted by the Congress in October 2024 — guarantee that one of the two vice presidents of the association will be a woman.
Another woman representative on the board will come from the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
The statutes also state that of the six ordinary member positions, one of them must be a woman.
Nonetheless, women are pushing for more representation in the next ZIFA board.
There are six female candidates out of the 37 vying for the ZIFA board member positions.
This represents 16 percent of the total candidates, but those who have raised their hands have challenged the notion that there is a lack of capable administrators amongst women.
Veteran women football administrator Theresa Maguraushe is convinced the next ZIFA elections will have “a significant impact” on women’s football.
Maguraushe is the chairperson of the Women’s Soccer League.
“Women running and competing for vice president and ZIFA board positions are of strong character, with full football knowledge.
“Indeed, they have the ability and power to transform our game,’’ said Maguraushe.
Joice Kapota, Mavis Gumbo, Patience Mutumwa, Loveness Mukura and Winnet Murota are contesting for the vice presidency.
Kudzai Kadzombe, Alice Zeure, Cecilia Gambe, Sabelo Maposa, Sibekikwe Ndlovu and Beaular Msarah are vying for the ZIFA board member positions.
Maguraushe feels it is not about women getting into the board, but the capacity the candidates have.
However, she thinks issues to do with gender inequality, disparity of players allowances and welfare will be a thing of the past if more women are elected into the board.
“I encourage women who will form part of the ZIFA executive committee never to neglect issues of junior development in our game.
“Children are the future of our beautiful game.
“We have strong and knowledgeable women out there who I feel have the ability to add value to our football.
“Now, it’s the time for women to exercise their rights, add their voice and make a difference,” Maguraushe added.
Women have 21 votes out of the 78 councillors who make up the ZIFA Congress.
They could leverage these numbers.
FC Platinum Queen’s Chido Chizondo has a feeling the upcoming elections could be a game-changer.
“This election is being seen as a watershed election, characterised by a significant shift that prioritises the women’s agenda,” says Chizondo.
“Globally, women’s voices are rising in prominence, with FIFA demonstrating strong support through a well-defined strategy for developing women’s football.
“While the number of women seeking board positions may appear low, it underscores the pressing need for their representation in these areas.
“The candidates competing for VP and board member roles have quickly challenged the notion that there is a lack of capable administrators.
“Our task is simplified . . . it involves aligning with the current strategy and ensuring that we, as women, continually showcase our best efforts to elevate the game for female footballers.”
She hopes for a football environment “that promotes mentorship and leadership development among women in sports”.
“We need to create more opportunities for women so that they assume decision-making roles and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
“There is a need for collaborative initiatives with corporates, leagues and communities to establish a sustainable framework that fosters women’s participation at all levels of the sport,’’ added Chizondo.
