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Lovemore Dube, [email protected]

HISTORY was made last week when Zifa had women as chairperson and chief executive at the same time, probably a first on the continent.

Yvonne Manwa is the chief executive officer of the national association while Loveness Mukura is Zifa vice chairperson.
Last week as Zifa boss attended meetings in Morocco and Egypt, Mukura and Manwa made history by being both in charge.
Henrietta Rushwaya was the first female Zifa chief executive officer.

Mukura is the first woman in the history of Zimbabwean football to act as Zifa president, a confirmation that Zimbabwe is committed to promoting gender equality.

There was a call in 2008 through a Sadc Protocol initiative to have 50-50 representation in all spheres of life.
The 11-member Zifa executive now has Mukura, Alice Zweure, women’s soccer boss Barbara Chikosi and Kudai Kadzombe representing women which is a positive development.

Previously only the women’s soccer boss sat on the Zifa board.
Tambu Tapera who has coached tennis in Bulawayo and South Africa, congratulated football for taking the lead. She said it was a welcome development and hopes that other sporting codes will follow suit.

“It’s good for a change to have women empowered and chosen to work at that level. It shows society has awakened to reality, women can no longer be confined to the kitchen and other chores. The world is getting more confident about the positive impact they can have in uplifting soccer. Congratulations to football for taking the lead,” said Tapera.

Zimbabweans must have taken a leaf from the Zifa Normalisation Committee that ran football from July 11, 2023 to January 25, this year. That body had three women, Nyasha Samanyandwe, Cynthia Malaba and Rosemary Mugadza.

The other two members were Lincoln Mutasa and Sikhumbuzo Ndebele.
Former Mighty Warriors and New Orleans football star Fungai Mupfeka is excited about the development.
“Well, I think it’s a good start for women’s football to have such representation hoping those that have been put into office won’t add numbers but will stand firm for the Girl Child,” said Mupfeka.
Busi Bhebhe, an advocate for women’s empowerment described it as a groundbreaking moment.

“I think this is a groundbreaking moment for Zimbabwean football and indeed a milestone for women’s empowerment. It is a testament to the progress we’re making towards achieving gender equality in sports,” she said.
Bhebhe said the fact that four out of the 11-member Zifa executive committee are women is a significant step towards 50-50 representation.

“This is crucial as it is coming when we are commemorating International Women’s Month under the theme “Accelerate Action,” she said.

Bhebhe said the move should serve as inspiration to young girls and women.
“This does not only bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table but also serves as a powerful inspiration to young girls and women who want to pursue football careers,” she said.

Bhebhe said while celebrating such developments, it is important to note that there is still work to be done to address systemic barriers and biases that have historically prevented women from taking on leadership roles in sports.

“I commend Zifa for taking bold steps towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity. I hope this milestone will pave the way for more women to take on leadership roles in sports and inspire a new generation of female footballers and administrators,” she said.