WIFA Women's Empowerment in Sport Begins with Understanding Their Real Needs, Not Merely Providing Opportunities - WIFA

The Women’s International Football Association (WIFA) has affirmed that genuine empowerment of women in sport begins with understanding their fundamental needs and cannot be achieved solely by providing equal opportunities.

In a press statement issued today, WIFA’s Media Office stated that the WIFA 2040 Strategic Plan places a strong emphasis on mechanisms designed to empower women and girls within the sporting sector.

The statement highlighted the importance of moving beyond the principle of simply ensuring equal opportunities and advancing toward a more comprehensive approach that includes designing sports programs and facilities that directly address the needs of women, while ensuring their meaningful participation in sports decision-making processes.
In this context, the Media Office noted that opening the doors of sport to women is an important step, but it is no longer sufficient. True empowerment begins by listening to women’s voices, understanding the logistical, physical, and social challenges they face, and creating a safe, sustainable sporting environment designed specifically for them and with their active involvement.

WIFA further emphasized that genuine sporting equity cannot be achieved while sports systems continue to operate without the perspective and input of women.
The Association stressed that involving girls and women in decision-making and in the development of sports policies is the key to transforming women’s football from a marginal activity into a professional sector capable of sustaining excellence, innovation, and long-term growth.