UNFPA Representative Miranda Tabifor (left) and ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi sign the Cooperation Agreement
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has signed a landmark Cooperation Agreement to collaborate on advocacy, awareness, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through the powerful platform of football.
A press release revealed that this strategic partnership will focus on advocacy and awareness raising for: “zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, zero gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices and zero new HIV infections.”
It is added that the partnership agreement outlines joint efforts to challenge harmful gender stereotypes, promote positive masculinities, and foster gender equality both within sport and in society at large. “Through football, the two organisations will raise awareness on critical issues such as adolescent pregnancies and sexual health, particularly targeting young people with informative and empowering messages.
“ZIFA and UNFPA will also model positive behaviours, encouraging football players and staff to demonstrate respectful, inclusive conduct on and off the field – setting an example for communities across the country,” further read the press release.
Speaking at the signing ceremony recently, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi welcomed the partnership, stating: “football has the power to change lives, shape values, and build stronger communities.
“This partnership with UNFPA allows us to harness that power to promote positive behaviours and challenge harmful norms that hinder development and equality.”
UNFPA Representative Miranda Tabifor said: “this partnership leverages football’s unifying power to amplify crucial messages about sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the well-being of Zimbabwe’s young people and women.
“Together with ZIFA, we hope to raise awareness, inspire change, and protect the rights and well-being of all Zimbabweans, particularly young people and women.”
The Cooperation Agreement marks the beginning of a dynamic and socially impactful collaboration between sport and development sectors, underpinned by a shared commitment to a more equal, healthy and inclusive Zimbabwe.
