FAM Champions Empowerment of Young Girls through Football
The launch saw the participation of various teams, including Baka City Women, Kawukila Kaluwa Sisters, Ndagha Academy, Zinde Academy, Karonga United, and Baka United.
KARONGA, Malawi- The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is championing the empowerment of young girls through football, highlighting the sport's crucial role in nurturing self-esteem and confidence, writes Lusekero Mhango.
Speaking after launching a women's football campaign in Karonga on Sunday, FAM's football manager, Blandina Mdebwe, emphasized the goal of popularizing the game among young girls, particularly those in the under-14 and under-16 leagues.
"We want to have a strong women's national team that can compete at the regional and world levels, but this will only be possible if we popularize the game among young girls and get them interested in playing football," Mdebwe said.
Tsalakunje Chimanga, Vice President of Women's Football, expressed gratitude for extending the campaign to districts, foreseeing its potential to motivate young girls to engage in football and steer clear of harmful activities.
"As women's football, we express our gratitude to FAM for taking women's football to districts, which will popularize the game and motivate young girls to take up playing, thus preventing them from getting involved in things that can harm their lives," Chimanga said.
Asimenye Simwaka, a Malawian women's national team striker and campaign ambassador, offered motivational talks to young girls during the launch, expressing happiness that playing women's football is now recognized as a viable career.
She advised the young girls to embrace hard work and discipline.
The launch saw the participation of various teams, including Baka City Women, Kawukila Kaluwa Sisters, Ndagha Academy, Zinde Academy, Karonga United, and Baka United.
The event marked the second phase of the campaign, which has included Karonga, Kasungu, and Zomba, following its initial involvement in the cities of Mzuzu, Lilongwe, and Blantyre.
The FIFA and FAM initiative aims to increase female participation in football by promoting the game, raising awareness, and empowering girls in a safe and supportive environment.