The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing women’s football across the continent. The Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP) will begin in March 2025, aligning with International Women’s Rights Month, and seeks to improve the skills of women involved in coaching and football training.
A Well-Structured Program
The WIDP will be a three-month program combining online modules and in-person training sessions, offering flexibility for participants with busy professional schedules. The key dates for the program include:
- March 4-5, 2025: Module 1 – Leadership
- March 18-19, 2025: Module 2 – Communication
- March 25-26, 2025: Module 3 – Coaching Pedagogy
- April 8-9, 2025: Module 4 – Practical Knowledge
- May 5-9, 2025: In-person training and assessment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Participants will also benefit from mentorship programs, which will provide ongoing guidance beyond the formal training.
Promoting Women in Football Leadership
A total of 29 participants from 22 CAF member associations will take part in the program, including national team coaches and key figures from the CAF Women’s Champions League. Notable participants include:
- Sheryl Botes – Uganda Women’s National Team Head Coach
- Lamia Boumehdi – TP Mazembe Head Coach and 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League Winner
- Selam Zeray – Liberia Women’s National Team Head Coach
Additionally, CAF Technical Committee members, including Touré Clémentine (Ivory Coast) and Jaqueline Shipanga (Namibia), will contribute their expertise, alongside specialists from UEFA and other international bodies.
CAF’s Commitment to Gender Equality in Football
Meskerem Goshime, CAF’s Head of Women’s Football, highlighted the importance of this program: “This initiative is vital in ensuring women play a key role in the future of African football. It represents CAF’s commitment to providing women with more opportunities in leadership, education, and mentorship.”
CAF Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, emphasized the need to challenge the traditional perception that women’s football is coached primarily by men. “We must encourage more women to take on leadership roles in coaching and technical management,” he said, noting that CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has made the development of women’s football a top priority.
A Vision for the Future of African Football
The WIDP is part of CAF’s larger strategy to reduce gender inequalities in African football. By investing in women’s development, CAF aims to create a more inclusive and competitive environment across the continent. The involvement of global organizations like UEFA and FIFA underscores the program’s importance on the world stage.
Through this transformative initiative, CAF signals a commitment to empowering women in football and ensuring African football reaches its full potential by tapping into talent regardless of gender.
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