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LOCAL INSIGHTS Inside ZIFA’s National Strategy Consultations Across Zimbabwe
ln a groundbreaking move to elevate the women’s game in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) embarked on a powerful fourcity tour aimed at gathering insights, challenges, and solutions from key regional stakeholders.
Dubbed the Women’s Football Strategy Regional Stakeholder Consultations, this national engagement effort reflects ZIFA’s renewed commitment to shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive future for women’s football.
With consultations held in Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo, and Masvingo, the initiative gathered momentum across provinces, highlighting regional passion, untapped potential, and urgent needs. ZIFA’s social media platforms buzzed with updates, drawing attention to the authenticity and energy each region brought to the table
Harare: Laying the Foundation
“The Women’s Football Strategy Regional Stakeholder Consultations are officially underway in Harare! This is a pivotal step in ZIFA’s roadmap…”
Harare hosted the inaugural session, drawing a vibrant mix of coaches, club owners, players, and sports administrators.
With the capital city as the strategic launchpad, participants discussed policy reform, funding models, and leadership opportunities for women in the sport.
The tone was clear: women’s football deserves its stage, structure, and support.
Gweru: Amplifying Regional Voices
“Gweru Gathers for the Game The Women’s Football Strategy Regional Stakeholder Consultations continued today in Gweru, where passionate…”
Gweru brought together stakeholders from Midlands Province and beyond, who emphasized the need for better training facilities and technical development.
Coaching capacity and youth pipeline strategies topped the discussion list, with calls for structured provincial leagues that feed into national competitions.
Bulawayo: Passion Meets Purpose
“The third leg of the Women’s Football Strategy Regional Stakeholder Consultations is taking place today in Bulawayo – and the passion for the women’s game is…”
Known for its fierce sporting culture, Bulawayo delivered both passion and purpose.
Discussions focused on infrastructure inequalities and the importance of school-based football programs.
Masvingo: Closing with Strategy
“FINAL STOP | Masvingo Closing with Purpose The Women’s Football Strategy Regional Stakeholder Consultations are concluding today in Masvingo…”
Masvingo concluded the regional tour, but the energy was anything but final.
Participants outlined practical recommendations for enhancing player welfare, media coverage, and the visibility of rural football talent.
The session highlighted how inclusive planning must extend to Zimbabwe’s remotest corners.
A United Vision for Women’s Football
Across all four provinces, several themes emerged:
•Infrastructure investment is urgently needed to unlock grassroots talent.
•Professionalization of leagues will ensure sustainability and attract sponsorship.
•Media coverage and digital engagement must be prioritized to grow the audience.
•Female leadership in coaching, officiating, and administration needs to be nurtured.
ZIFA’s consistent presence at each of these sessions demonstrated a willingness to listen, co-create, and empower.
The association has promised to consolidate regional insights into a National Women’s Football Strategy set to be launched in the coming months.
Conclusion: The Game Is Changing
From urban centers to provincial strongholds, Zimbabwean women are ready to claim their rightful place in the football arena.
The Women’s Football Strategy Regional Stakeholder Consultations were not just a listening tour; they were a declaration of intent.
ZIFA’s challenge now is to translate voices into policies and dreams into playbooks.
And if these regional meetings are anything to go by, the future of women’s football in Zimbabwe is not just promising, it’s unstoppable.
For more updates on the Women’s Football Strategy, follow ZIFA on Facebook: @footballzim
[Compiled by iShaH Editorial Team] |
