KITUI, Kenya- In the beautiful game of football, it is important to have representation.
Here, who gets to play, who gets to be recognised, and who is recognised by the next generation are more important considerations than the game itself.
In discussing diversity and inclusion in football, stakeholders are urged to refrain from checking boxes or fulfilling targets.
Instead, they should recognise the significant influence that a diverse player base has on the game, its supporters, and society in general.
Against this backdrop, Kenyan women’s football stalwarts are promoting gender equality.
Why gender inclusion is crucial in managing Kenyan football
Led by Charity Wangoma, popularly known as Mama Diouf, the women observed that gender inclusion is critical to managing Kenyan football to achieve the necessary goals.
“One of the ten strategic areas of development has been identified as women’s political leadership and participation. Full participation of people of all genders is critical to both the success of democratic movements across the globe and the operation of democracies,” said Mama Diouf.
FIFA recognises women’s recognition as a significant growth opportunity. The World Football governing body states that by dismantling structural barriers and challenging social norms, football’s potential can be leveraged to champion gender equality.
“It’s time to foster a football culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion for all,” FIFA states on its official website.
Mama Diouf, the founder and director of the Mama Diouf Foundation, further contends that inclusive and prosperous policy results are produced by nations offering a secure and supportive atmosphere for women to engage in public life and policymaking.
“These policy outcomes are more peaceful, have higher growth and are more stable as societies,” Mama Diouf told Y News after presiding over the Kenya Women in Football conference held at the Agricultural Training Centre in Kitui.
What was the theme of the Kitui conference
According to the women, the three-day event between June 13 and June 15 was a landmark conference, bringing together prominent figures and stakeholders across Kenya to champion gender equality in sports.
Under the theme “Towards A Gender Equal Sporting Opportunity,” the conference saw enthusiastic participation from various regions, including Nairobi, Trans Nzoia, Machakos, Mombasa, and more.
Mama Diouf officially opened the event, emphasising the critical inclusive opportunities in football and beyond.
Notable attendees included Phoebe Mutemi (CECM for Sports, Kitui County), Maria Mwele Kiio (wife to Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua), and Esther Musila (Director of Sports, Kitui County).
Notable sports figures graced the occasion, including Neddy Atieno, Michael Esakwa, Former FKF CEO, Josphat Kelly, Head Coach of Dynamo FC, and Savanna Starlets.
How participants benefitted from the Leadership of Congress for Women in Football
One of the highlights was Michael Esakwa’s comprehensive presentation on the challenges of funding women’s football leagues.
Esakwa echoed the sentiments of the event’s organiser, Mama Diouf, who reiterated that women must be committed to driving change and ensuring equitable support in football.
The Alpha Fitness Center Foundation’s participation further enhanced the event dubbed Leadership of Congress for Women in Football.
Their representatives, Francis, a physical trainer manager, and Abisaki, a psychologist, conducted sessions on women’s physical and mental health in sports.
Alpha Fitness Center also donated footballs and the trophy for the main exhibition match.
Former FKF Women President Angeline Elijah and Neddy Atieno, a former Harambee Starlets forward and founder of the Fan 10 Bob initiative, delivered inspiring motivational talks, encouraging players to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
Forthcoming FKF elections
Through in-depth discussions, participants identified specific challenges faced by women in football and shared concrete strategies and recommendations to drive positive change for gender equality in sports.
Mama Diouf, one of the FKF contenders for the National Executive Committee Member Women, called for a free and fair electoral process ahead of the forthcoming polls.
“You cannot have been in office for the past eight years, done nothing, and you are now pushing for another term to kill Kenyan football completely,” she said.
Meanwhile, like the rest of the participants, Mama Diouf observed that embracing gender equality in football ultimately enhances the overall experience for everyone involved and contributes to a more equitable and progressive society.
