CECAFA Conducts Safeguarding Workshop in Addis Ababa

The Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) on August 24th, 2024 organised a Safeguarding Workshop at the Shitaye Suite Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The participants who attended the workshop were drawn from the eight teams participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifier 2024 and referees.

The participants were drawn from; Yei Joint Stars (South Sudan), Simba Queens (Tanzania), PVP Buyenzi Burundi), Commercial Bank of Ethiopia WFC, Kenya Police Bullets, Rayon Sports Women FC (Rwanda), Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda) and FAD WFC from Djibouti as well as all Women referees officiating at the Zonal qualifier.

Safeguarding Officer and CECAFA Administrator, Veonica Lusichi awarding certificate of participation to Kenya Ploice Bullets head Coach, Beldine Odemba.

Marked by a series of interrractive safeguarding sessions the participating team players, officials and referees were taken through the existing FIFA safeguarding policy framework designed to protect women players and referees from various forms of abuse in Football.

The workshop was conducted by the CECAFA Administrator and Safeguarding Officer, Veronica Lusichi (Kenya), Jules Karangwa (Rwanda) and Youssuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Manager.

Participants received an overview of what is Safeguarding, its importance in football as well as FIFA safeguarding essentials that incorporate knowledge and insights into creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Participants were also introduced to available FIFA safeguarding essentials online course that provides an opportunity to enroll online, joining the FIFA guardians family in protecting women and children in football.

Hadijah Nandago, Kawempe Mulsim Ladies’ leading scorer at the tournament says the workshop was very useful because it helped them get awareness on safeguarding. “We have benefited and hope to share with other people what we have learnt,” she added.