Saturday’s Super League of Malawi (Sulom) elections confirmed the low representation of women in domestic football.
During the elections held in the lakeshore district of Salima, no woman was elected into the Sulom politburo comprising 11 officials. Innocent Bottoman was re-elected unopposed as president.
Sulom treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda, who has been speaking on behalf of the association, traced the lack of women representation to clubs.
“Usually, clubs are a feeder to Sulom and there is not much female representation in the clubs; hence, the absence in Sulom as well,” said Somba-Banda before the elections.
“We encourage women out there to be participating in these teams to get a mix and the woman perspectives on how to make the league appealing to the ladies. We believe in having women in the clubs and even Sulom.”
FAM executive committee member Flora Mwandira, who is a sole woman in the association’s board, said stereotypes including that football is a man’s game put off women.
“If there is no interest from the women, it is difficult for women to be voted into office. I am not sure about Sulom constitution, but maybe they need to make that provision,” Mwandira said.n
