Female referees ensure that every match is played in accordance with governing regulations

Football is the king of sports in Togo, and perhaps across Africa. Unfortunately, the game has been traditionally for men and boys with girls and women relegated to the sidelines cheering for the players. Plan Togo benefits from this sport to bring girls off the sidelines and into the pitch to teach them the skills needed for not only the game, but life.

This latest innovation of Plan Togo aims to strengthen the capacities of young women, empower them to overcome shyness, give determination, encourage self-esteem, and enable them to speak publicly.

Kpana, a player from the Tchamba district commented, “Being a part of the Plan football team, I have made new friends, seen new places and learned new skills. I feel confident on the football pitch and that has also helped me be a better student.  This programme has opened my eyes to the future and the possibilities for me!” "

Using every opportunity

Plan began the programme in 12 communities, where 36 girls would be selected to fill the rosters of an A, B and C team. The players receive coaching and training to develop their physical skills for football, but also in their leadership skills on and off the field. Players attend workshops on child rights, gender equity, girls education, protection against HIV/ AIDS and children’s participation. The players are encouraged to be leaders off the playing field by sharing this vital, life-saving information with other girls.

The teams travel from community to community for matches. Football crazy Togolese give the girls an added boost by attending the matches in droves. At each match, 2,000 – 3,000 spectators crowd the sidelines to watch the action and cheer the girls on. In the time before each match and at the half, the teams promote healthy lifestyles.

The local media have been covering the games and results for the fans. They are also including the educational messages delivered by the players. Interviews have been carried in newspapers and on local radio stations and  “Straight to the Point” magazine.

Achievements

The Plan Togo girls football project is bringing expected results, changing girls’ lives for the better. Initially started in 12 communities, the project to promote girls’ leadership through football has quickly developed. Today, more than 24 other communities are knocking on Plan’s door to enroll for the project and get their own team. Now, the girls are encouraged to act in public; some are even interested in becoming referees to run the games. The initiative also aims to give female players professional opportunities to become a coach (a training for 13 women and 11 men) to train other female football clubs.

Participating communities accepted the idea and moreover, in these Muslim towns, girls are allowed to wear shorts while playing. Religious leaders support the project and girls’ teams, and in the Koussountou community in Tchamba district, the daughter of the local Imam (Muslim religious leader) is a striker.

“This project has opened our eyes. I never thought that girls can play and behave like boys. My daughter has become skilled and less shy,”- said Ms Tchadouwa, a devout Muslim.

The project has also managed to get the government attention. The Ministry of Sport is interested in implementing the project outside Plan Togo operational areas.

Plan Togo

In the time before each match and at the half, the teams carry out educational campaign

For 22 years, Plan Togo has facilitated the improvement of living conditions of children in partner communities, putting special emphasis on the promotion of girls. Previously, Plan introduced initiatives, such as: promotion of the rights of the child, education of the girls, children participation and gender equity. However, none have matched the levels of success seen with girls’ leadership through football project, which gives an equal chance to both boys and girls to participation.