Fifa policy gives women hope on Zifa election

Langton Nyakwenda

THE world governing body Fifa has a deliberate policy aimed at promoting women’s football 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 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 their website.

Most member associations of Fifa have already started implementing this policy,

Including the English FA, which in April 2017, announced some reforms, including, an increase in the number of women, in the association.

However, in some countries including Zimbabwe, women are still marginalised.

But, the upcoming Zifa elections could present local women with a chance to change the script.
The new Zifa Statutes guarantees that one of the two vice-presidents of the association should be a woman.

Another woman representative on the board will come from the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
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.

That’s 16 percent of the total candidates, but those that 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” in women’s football.

“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, Sabela Maposa, Sibekiwe Ndlovu and Beaular Msarah are vying for the Zifa board member positions.

Maguraushe feels it’s not about women getting into the board, but the capacity these female 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 Board 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 voice and make a difference,” declared Maguraushe.

Women have 22 votes out of the 78 councillors who make up the Zifa Congress. They could leverage on these numbers.

FC Platinum’s Chido Chizondo has a feeling the upcoming election 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,” added Chizondo.

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,” added Chizondo.

Chizondo further elaborated: “There’s 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.”

Zira Matinyarira of Faith Drive is happy women have been given a chance to select their own female leaders.

“We are so excited about the development which gives an equal opportunity as our male counterparts.”
Naboth Magwizi, Masvingo Province chairman, also added his voice.

“It’s very important to have ladies in the Zifa board,” he said. “Actually the ideal situation could be a 50-50 representation of men and women on the board.

“Ladies are mothers and by nature mothers give guidance. “They could bring orderliness in the way things are done at the national level.

“The Under-17 debacle in which the girls were denied the opportunity to participate in the World Cup qualifiers should tell you why we need women on the board.

“At times people forget we have women’s teams but if we have more females leading then that won’t happen.

“Naturally, women will have a soft spot for the girl child so to have them in there will be an advantage for the Girl Child.”