TAFISA Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway Project, a year-long initiative aimed at empowering young girls in sports will come to end in December 2024. The program, which sought to address the retainment of the girl child and gender inequality in sport, is a collaboration between Women and Sport Botswana (WASBO) and the Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA).
WASBO Chairperson, Keenese Katisange- Tizhani says the initiative focused on coaching the coaches to create a more inclusive and positive experience for girls at all levels. She says initial indications are that the country has done well.
Katisenge-Tizhani says as WASBo, they are happy with the number of participants they have produced. Adding that, the program has somehow influenced the direction of aggressive conversations around safeguarding in Botswana.
“We will be producing an end of year report by December and we will send statistics and updates by then. We have begun to see returns as coaches who we were engaging for this program are really doing well. They have taken on board different initiatives such as mentorship for young girls and women in their respective associations,” the WASBo Chairperson explained.
“We have applied at TAFISA to continue with the program. We are hopeful that we will get a second chance to run it so as to see even more greater benefits and impact,” she says.
The WASBo chairperson however said the program was by no means a smooth sailing for them. “Before general elections, we were at an advanced stage with the Ministry of Youth empowerment, Sports and Culture Development (MYSC) in terms of the country coming up with a safeguarding policy at a national level. We are confident that whoever will come to lead the sports ministry, this conversation will continue.”
“We should look forward to WASBO introducing a national safeguarding policy because safeguarding has to be owned by the country and the nation at a higher level especially at ministry level,” she says. Among the coaches chosen to lead the program was Goarata Khathi, who is the founder of the Savage Rugby Club. A certified rugby coach and coach educator, Khathi, who is deeply passionate about promoting girls’ participation in sports, expressed happiness with the initiative.
“I am grateful for the numerous connections I made while serving as a coach trainer on the TAFISA Girls Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway. Building relationships with fellow trainers, coaches, and organizations that share a passion for empowering female athletes was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Khathi said she has learned about unique challenges and needs of young female athletes, which will enable her to advocate more effectively for their interests. She said that participating in the program has deepened her understanding of creating safe and supportive environments for girls in sports, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and positive role modeling.
“In the first quarter of the year, trainers were introduced to the pathway to foster ownership and effective delivery. I appreciated that we (trainers) came from diverse backgrounds, which greatly enriched our discussions and driven conversations. I learned a great deal about how coaches can sometimes unconsciously perpetuate stereotypes or exhibit gender bias without realizing it.”
“I recognised that minor actions we often overlook as coaches can deter young girls from participating in sports. For instance, the way we position ourselves when addressing our athletes is crucial; it’s important to ensure that every athlete feels seen and to provide a safe environment for them to make mistakes and learn from them,” Khathi said.
As a coach and a role model, she said the initiative had enriched her professional journey and fueled her commitment to promote gender equality in sports. “Coaches of girls and young women should empower their players by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises individual growth and enjoyment of the sport over competition.”
Khathi further said it is of great importance for coaches to become positive role models to the girl child. She urged coaches to develop leadership skills within their players, celebrate achievements, and continue their own education in coaching female athletes to enhance the overall experience and retention in the sport.
