The City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation, Gauteng Department of Education, Midrand Local Football Association and D9 School Sport Committee hosted the Women/Girls Football Development programme at Rabie Ridge Stadium. The stadium was packed with girls from various schools on Women’s Day, 9 August 2022, who were giddy with delight as squeals of joy, cheers and appreciative whistles filled the air.
In his welcome address, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Ronald Harris said: “Girls and women continue to be under-represented in sport, both on and off the field, in participation, media coverage, and leadership positions.
“Raising the development and awareness of female football will help change attitudes and beliefs. The City of Johannesburg is seeking to increase positive attitudes towards gender equality in the game, increase participation levels of women and girls and communicate the benefits of gender equality for all,” he added.
The Women/Girls Football programme of the City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation seeks to give young girls and women the chance to participate in sport in a welcoming and safe atmosphere. Participants were learners from 16 primary schools and eight high schools in the area and surrounding neighborhoods.
The day began with aerobics before moving to the matches. The participants had nutritious meals and were capacitated with social/soft skills by Green Door Foundation, Mama Rea Ledwaba, and The Organisation for Young Women’s Dignity-‘TOFYWD’. Myriad health issues that women and young girls deal with daily were also unpacked.
It is abundantly clear that women and girls have an enormous growth opportunity for football in South Africa, especially given the victory of Banyana Banyana at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Banyana’s Wafcon success is an indication of self-driven hard work in the face of the numerous obstacles that women’s sport and their general development face.
“Every woman and girl in South Africa deserves the chance to take part in the sport that the world cherishes, and it is crucial that we place special emphasis on the responsibility of building a solid foundation for the long-term stability of women’s football,” said Mandla Mahlangu, the Assistant Director for Sport and Recreation in Region A.
“All credit goes to Region A Sport and Recreation team for delivering the programme in such a well-coordinated manner,” he added.