The Fédération gabonaise de football (Fegafoot) in partnership with the Fédération internationale de football association (Fifa) has initiated the "Women's Football Campaign" at the lycée public d’Alibendeng in Libreville. This campaign aims to encourage young girls aged 6 to 12 to engage in football. The launch event, organized under FIFA's auspices, included a sensitization workshop attended by Fegafoot officials, including President Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, and representatives from the Ligue nationale de football féminin (Linaffem) and FIFA.
The campaign's objectives were presented by Clémence Ossey, Fegafoot's vice-president for women's football. She emphasized that the initiative targets girls aged 6 to 12, as this age group is crucial for building vocational aspirations, self-confidence, and a passion for sports. The campaign also seeks to sensitize communities, families, and schools about the importance of providing equal opportunities for girls to engage in sports and develop their talents.
Dr. Jules Simon Ndong Bekalé, a sociologist of sports, urged parents and school administrators to establish mechanisms that facilitate girls' access to football. He stressed the need for supportive environments that encourage girls to participate in sports. Meanwhile, a representative from Fegafoot's Child Protection Department assured families that measures are in place to ensure the activities' smooth execution, including medical monitoring, financing, and infrastructure, to guarantee participants' safety.
The campaign, set to expand to several cities across Gabon, aligns with efforts to promote and develop women's football from a young age. The launch event concluded with basic football initiation sessions, also known as "grassroots" activities. These sessions aimed to introduce young girls to fundamental football skills in a fun and engaging manner.
Fegafoot and FIFA's collaborative effort seeks to address existing disparities in women's football in Gabon. By targeting young girls and creating a supportive environment, the campaign aims to increase participation and foster a culture of equality in sports. The initiative also underscores the importance of partnerships between football governing bodies and local authorities in promoting women's sports.
The "Women's Football Campaign" is part of a broader strategy to develop women's football in Gabon. By engaging young girls and providing them with opportunities to play football, Fegafoot and FIFA hope to create a pipeline of talented female players who can compete at national and international levels. The campaign's success will depend on sustained efforts and investments in infrastructure, coaching, and support services.
As the campaign unfolds, stakeholders will monitor its progress and assess its impact on women's football in Gabon. The initiative's outcomes will inform future programs and policies aimed at promoting women's sports and empowerment. Key stakeholders will evaluate the campaign's effectiveness in achieving its objectives and make adjustments as needed to ensure its long-term success.
Key points
- The campaign targets girls aged 6 to 12 to build vocational aspirations, self-confidence, and a passion for sports.
- Fegafoot and FIFA are collaborating to promote women's football and create a supportive environment for young girls to engage in sports.
- The initiative aims to increase participation and foster a culture of equality in sports, with plans to expand to several cities across Gabon.
