Ladies’ Turn in Senegal: Empowering Women Through Football

Ladies’ Turn is a pioneering organization in Senegal that has been making significant strides in promoting women’s football since its inception in 2009. Founded by players, coaches, and activists who were passionate about gender equality in sports, Ladies’ Turn aims to empower women and girls by creating opportunities for them to play football. The organization has become a beacon of hope for aspiring female footballers in a country where women’s participation in sports has traditionally been limited.

What is Ladies’ Turn?

Ladies’ Turn is a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on developing women’s football in Senegal. Its primary mission is to create a platform for women and girls to play football, break societal barriers, and promote gender equality. By organizing tournaments, training sessions, and awareness campaigns, Ladies’ Turn has built a community that supports the growth of women’s football across Senegal.

Short Info:

  • Founded: 2009
  • Mission: To promote women’s football and gender equality in Senegal.
  • Focus Areas: Tournaments, coaching, grassroots development, and advocacy.

What Does Ladies’ Turn Do?

Ladies’ Turn operates at multiple levels to support the growth of women’s football in Senegal. The organization organizes annual football tournaments that attract hundreds of girls and women from across the country. These tournaments provide a rare opportunity for female players to showcase their talent in a supportive and competitive environment.

In addition to tournaments, Ladies’ Turn works on capacity-building initiatives for coaches and referees to ensure that the infrastructure for women’s football is sustainable. The organization also collaborates with schools and local communities to encourage more girls to take up the sport.

Key Initiatives:

  • Tournaments: Local and regional competitions that bring together girls from various communities to compete in football matches.
  • Coaching Programs: Training sessions for coaches to enhance their skills and improve the quality of women’s football.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: Campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes and encourage the inclusion of women in sports.

Benefits and Challenges

The impact of Ladies’ Turn extends beyond the football field. By promoting women’s football, the organization is contributing to the broader goal of gender equality in Senegalese society. Football, a traditionally male-dominated sport, provides a powerful platform for women to challenge gender norms and assert their place in society.

While Ladies’ Turn has achieved remarkable success, the organization still faces challenges, including limited funding, societal resistance, and inadequate infrastructure for women’s sports in Senegal. Nevertheless, the impact of the organization has been profound.

The Future of Ladies’ Turn

As Ladies’ Turn continues to grow, the focus remains on increasing opportunities for women in football. The organization plans to expand to rural areas where access to sports for girls is particularly limited. By continuing to work with international partners, including FIFA and various non-governmental organizations, Ladies’ Turn aims to gain more resources and build a stronger support system for women’s football in Senegal.

Support the organization and help hundreds and thousands of women in Senegal prove themselves. Even by becoming a spectator, you will make a significant contribution to this endeavor.