Y-Fem advances women’s leadership in sport

Namibia’s first-ever female-only introductory coaching course empowered 20 young women in technical coaching skills and leadership to drive change in their communities and advance gender equality in sport.

The milestone event was organised by the Young Feminists Movement of Namibia (Y-Fem) in collaboration with the Namibia Football Association (NFA), and was held at Okahandja from 4 March to 8 March as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

The participating players, referees and coaches came from Mariental, Gobabis, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Okahandja, Witvlei and Windhoek.

Their participation in this coaching course marks a critical step in advancing their leadership and career opportunities.

NFA instructor Mervin Mbakera conducted the training, with assistance from Justine Hamupolo from the NFA technical desk.

In addition to the coaching course, Y-Fem programmes and innovations manager Irene //Garoes facilitated leadership training.

According to Y-Fem director Florence Khaxas, this initiative is a significant milestone in shifting power for women in sport.

“Women in sport need support to realise their dreams, and as an organisation, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower them to lead, coach and inspire the next generation,” said Khaxas in an interview with The Namibian over the weekend.

After the course concluded last week, participants shared their experiences The Namibian. Immogene Claasen described the course as “challenging but rewarding”, while budding coach Uendjijama Kanagure also appreciated the opportunity to get training.

“This course has enhanced my coaching skills and personal growth. I now feel well-equipped to be an effective coach and peer educator,” Kanagure said.

Queen Neis highlighted the inclusive atmosphere, saying they felt ” safe, welcomed and supported” and praising the sense of community built during sessions.

Similarly, Lizette Oxurus found the experience empowering and provided them with the confidence to coach second-division teams.

BREAKING BARRIERS AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

Y-Fem highlighted the need for the course given that women remain vastly under-represented in African sport leadership and coaching.

Globally, only 7% of coaches are women, and across Africa, female leadership in sport remains below 10%. Many young women face systemic barriers, including discrimination, lack of training and limited access to leadership opportunities.

Y-Fem, which was founded in 2009, is a feminist human rights organisation dedicated to advancing the rights of young women and girls, and is committed to breaking these barriers. Since 2014, by founding and establishing Namib Daughters Football Club in the Erongo region, Y-Fem has been using sport – particularly football – to create safe spaces for young women to speak out, heal from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and build leadership skills.

“Through this coaching initiative, Y-Fem is not only developing young women as future coaches and leaders but also ensuring they have the tools to transform their communities,” the organisation says.

As part of the Shifting Power Project, Y-Fem is planning a women’s football tournament in June 2025 to further promote women’s participation in sport, and calls on institutions, businesses and the public to support the initiative through funding, equipment donations or other forms of assistance.

“Empowering young women in sport is about more than just football – it’s about shifting power, challenging gender norms and creating pathways for leadership. Together, we can create a future where young women in Namibia have equal opportunities in sport and society,” says the organisation.