International Women’s Day, development programmes
Gday dear reader. On Wednesday, March 8, 2023 the world recognised the International Women’s Day.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) was part of the celebrations as the organisation recognises the splendid role that women play towards the development of football in the country and globally. Gender equality and empowerment is a priority in as far as the development of the beautiful game is concerned. The EFA is also prioritising the development of women football in the country, which is what FIFA is advocating to her members.
The yet to be launched women football strategy and the EFA strategic plan that is currently being developed will cover the development of women football.
Within the EFA structures, there are women who are in strategic positions and they contribute a lot in terms of football governance, coaching, administration, refereeing, medical and playing the game of football. The implementation of the Pick’ n Pay U-15 EFA Football Development Programme and the recently launched FIFA EFA Talent Development Scheme which includes the participation of the girl child is an indication that the EFA is working around the clock in as far as the development of women football is concerned.
With the FIFA Women World Cup coming closer, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has reached out to each one of the eight nations (Haita, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia) who will be debuting at this competition come July 20, 2023. ‘Beyond greatness’ is this year’s FIFA Women World Cup’s slogan. One can tell that FIFA is challenging the players to maximise the opportunity of playing in the FIFA World Cup by going the extra mile in as far as their football artistry is concerned. It is an indication that FIFA values women football. The EFA also urges the girl child to do likewise in as far as the football development programmes are concerned.