ZIFA, UNFPA Sign Cooperation Agreement to Promote ...

ZIFA, UNFPA Sign Cooperation Agreement to Promote Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment Through Football

UNFPA Country Representative Miranda Tabifor (left), ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi (right)

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma- Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Football Association and the United Nations Population Fund have signed a landmark Cooperation Agreement aimed at using football as a platform to promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

According to a joint press release, the strategic partnership will focus on advocacy and awareness-raising efforts to achieve four key goals: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, zero gender-based violence and harmful practices, and zero new HIV infections.

The agreement outlines collaborative initiatives to challenge harmful gender stereotypes, promote positive masculinities, and foster gender equality both within football and in broader society. Through football, ZIFA and UNFPA will engage young people with informative and empowering messages on adolescent pregnancies and sexual health.

Additionally, the two organizations will promote positive behaviors, encouraging football players and staff to model respectful and inclusive conduct both on and off the field — setting an example for communities across Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi emphasized the transformative power of sport.
“Football has the power to change lives, shape values, and build stronger communities,” he said.

“This partnership with UNFPA allows us to harness that power to promote positive behaviors and challenge harmful norms that hinder development and equality.”

UNFPA Country Representative Miranda Tabifor echoed this sentiment.
“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,” she said.

“Together with ZIFA, we hope to raise awareness, inspire change, and protect the rights and well-being of all Zimbabweans, particularly youth and women.”

The Cooperation Agreement marks the start of a dynamic and socially impactful collaboration between the sports and development sectors — united by a shared vision for a more equal, healthy, and inclusive Zimbabwe.