Mbankomo, Cameroon- UNFPA joined the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) to train about 45 football club presidents and leaders in management, governance and club development with highlights on ending Gender-Based Violence  in football. This was in the framework of a training programme run by the International Football Federation (FIFA).

Thanks to the FIFA Club Professionnalisation and Management Programme, the Football Federation with the support of FIFA aimed at equipping professional elite clubs (both male and female) to be up to standards with the requirements of high-level professionalism. 

Over the years, Football has gradually gained grounds and spurred the interest of women and girls across Cameroon. From street matches to professional national level football, more and more girls seek to pursue a career beyond a sheer hobby. This motivation was pushed a little further with the Indomitable Lionesses’ brilliant participation in the 2016 Female African Nations Cup held in Cameroon. Since then, more women and girls find their place not only within teams but in leadership positions in the football milieu. However, this gradual introduction of women and girls is not void of hurdles and obstacles. 

“As a woman in the football milieu, I can say that violence against women may not only be physical but also psychological. When I took over as president of AS Fortuna after my husband’s death, many didn’t believe I would go through with it. They openly doubted my abilities. However, today, a few months in, I am proud of what the club has been able to achieve under my leadership.” Aline Sylvie Mbesse, President of AS Fortuna Football Club. 

Sports, and football in particular, is a strategic lever to promote gender equality and sensitise against gender-based violence. In this regard, UNFPA and FECAFOOT began a collaboration in November 2024 during the 16 Days of Activism to end Violence against Women to sensitise the general public and actors of the football milieu in particular on the promotion of gender equality and ending GBV. Within the framework of this collaboration, FECAFOOT’s president, Mr. Samuel Eto’o, seized the opportunity of having all club presidents together to have them informed on the stakes of gender equality and the promotion of a healthy environment for women in upscaling productivity for their various clubs. 

To this end, UNFPA delivered a session focused on zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, menstrual health management for female athletes, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and the promotion of positive masculinity. This session threw light on the psychological and physical consequences of GBV on a player as well as its consequences on the club’s productivity and reputation. 

“We have now learnt that in order for us to improve our professionalism, the aspect of gender-based violence, specifically for female footballers, should be managed at our club level. We must provide equal opportunities for male and female players. If the club is inclusive in every aspect, whether it's male or female, and everyone recognizes they have a place in the team, it will help the club.” Mr. Dikongue Charles, President of Victoria United Football Club

In addition to the club professionalization program, other priority areas of collaboration between UNFPA and FECAFOOT include: organizing information sessions with the female national teams on various topics related to women's bodily autonomy as well as the deployment of Sexual and Reproductive Health service providers during women championships and resource mobilisation. 

UNFPA and FECAFOOT are convinced that these areas of collaboration will enable significant results to be achieved in favor of women's football, in promoting gender equality, and in combating gender-based violence in sports.