The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s football with the launch of the Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP).
The initiative, set to begin in March 2025 to coincide with International Women’s Rights Month, aims to enhance the skills of women involved in coaching and football education across the continent.
CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba highlighted the importance of increasing female representation in football leadership, stressing that gender diversity in coaching is crucial for the sport’s growth.
“One of the priorities of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, since his election, has been to develop and promote women’s football. We launched the Women’s Champions League in 2021, and today, we are continuing this momentum with initiatives like the WIDP,” said Mosengo-Omba.
He also called for a shift in the traditional coaching landscape of women’s football.
“The image I want to see change is that of women’s teams coached only by men. This is not normal. We need to encourage more women to take leadership roles in the technical management of football.”
Strengthening women’s role in African football
The WIDP is part of CAF’s broader strategy to reduce gender inequality in African football.
By providing structured training and development opportunities, the program seeks to empower women with the knowledge and tools necessary to influence the future of the sport.
CAF’s initiative aligns with global efforts to promote gender inclusion in football, with UEFA and FIFA offering their support.
Their involvement highlights the importance of this project on an international scale, ensuring that African women’s football continues to progress in line with global standards.
A step towards lasting change
Since the launch of the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021, women’s football in Africa has gained increased visibility.
However, the lack of female representation in coaching and technical roles remains a challenge.
The WIDP aims to address this by equipping women with the expertise to become instructors and leaders in football education.
By fostering a new generation of female coaches and mentors, CAF hopes to create a more inclusive football ecosystem—one where women not only excel as players but also take on influential roles in shaping the game’s future.
The WIDP marks a significant milestone in that journey, reinforcing CAF’s dedication to changing perceptions and breaking down barriers in women’s football.
