The development of women’s football does not depend solely on players, coaches, or football federations. It reflects the commitment of an entire society. The low level of public engagement observed around women’s competitions is today a collective responsibility that calls upon all African and international stakeholders.
To change this reality, it is essential to build a continental movement capable of bringing together all key actors around one shared vision: making women’s football a true driver of education, inclusion, women’s leadership, economic development, and sports diplomacy.
It is within this vision that RIFLA-VESA (International Network of African Women Leaders for the Promotion of Excellence and Sport in Africa) was established.
Founded in 2021 in Côte d’Ivoire, RIFLA-VESA is now represented by women leaders in countries where African football federations operate. Through this pan-African network, women are becoming key actors in transforming African sport and trusted partners of sports institutions.
RIFLA-VESA firmly believes that the development of women’s football should no longer be the responsibility of female athletes alone, but of all African women, regardless of their professional backgrounds or fields of activity.
The network therefore calls for the mobilization of:
* All First Ladies of Africa;
* African and international football legends;
* Presidents of national football federations;
* Ministers of Sport and Ministers responsible for Women’s Affairs;
* Embassies and the diplomatic corps;
* International organizations;
* Private companies and development partners;
* Women leaders from the fields of business, education, health, culture, media, justice, politics, entrepreneurship, and civil society.
By bringing these stakeholders together, RIFLA-VESA seeks to make sports diplomacy a powerful instrument of cooperation between African states, football federations, institutions, and peoples. Sport thus becomes a universal language that strengthens solidarity, peace, regional integration, and the empowerment of women.
RIFLA-VESA’s Objectives
RIFLA-VESA works to:
* Promote women’s leadership within African sports institutions;
* Increase the visibility and attractiveness of women’s football;
* Support the development of women’s refereeing across Africa;
* Encourage girls to play football and pursue careers in sport;
* Mobilize football legends as ambassadors for the advancement of women’s football;
* Build sustainable partnerships between football federations, governments, international institutions, and the private sector;
* Use sports diplomacy as a tool for African integration;
* Foster the exchange of experiences among women leaders from the 54 CAF Member Associations;
* Combat all forms of discrimination against women in sport;
* Promote strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Henriette Dagri Diabaté Sub-Regional Centre for Women’s Football and Refereeing, dedicated to training future generations of African referees, women sports administrators, and football players.
The development of African women’s football will only be possible if everyone accepts their share of responsibility and contributes to this common cause.
RIFLA-VESA therefore calls upon all the driving forces of Africa and its diaspora to join together in building a new continental movement for greater mobilization.
Women’s football is an African cause. Its success depends on our collective commitment. Together, let us make sports diplomacy a catalyst for development, unity, and excellence across Africa.
Mrs. ASSA
President, RIFLA-VESA
International Network of African Women Leaders for the Promotion of Excellence and Sport in Africa
