The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has successfully concluded a four-day women’s football development programme in Wewak in the East Sepik province, bringing together teachers, community volunteers, women and girls through football, education and life-skills activities.
The programme, held from August 6 to 9 in partnership with the Wewak Football Association (WFA), featured the Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) “This Is How We Football” Capacity Building Training, followed by the PNGFA Women’s Football Festival.
The two-day capacity-building training attracted 17 participants from Wewak town and surrounding schools and communities. Participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the “This Is How We Football” programme within their own communities.
The OFC initiative uses football as a platform to empower girls aged 13 to 18 through education, leadership and life-skills development. Training sessions used FIFA and OFC educational resources and focused on four key areas: gender empowerment, life skills, health, and safety and gender-based violence prevention.
The programme culminated in the PNGFA Women’s Football Festival on August 9, which brought together approximately 100 girls from Wewak and surrounding communities.
Beyond football activities, the festival reinforced key messages from the capacity-building sessions, encouraging teamwork, confidence, inclusion and leadership among participants.
PNGFA Executive Committee Member and Women’s Representative Cathy Agunam also joined the Women’s Football Development team in Wewak, supporting the programme and engaging with participants and members of the local football community.
The programme was facilitated by PNGFA Women’s Football Development Officer Susan Steven, Social Responsibility Manager Christine Wamala-Uru and Social Responsibility Programme Coordinator Sonia Embahe, with support from PNG Women’s National Football Team Assistant Coach Edna Thomas.
Embahe said the programme demonstrated the important role football can play beyond the playing field.
“Football has the power to bring people together while creating opportunities for learning, empowerment and personal growth,” she said.
She said the strong participation in both the training and festival showed there was significant interest in using football to create positive opportunities for women and girls.
“By building the capacity of teachers and community volunteers, we are creating local champions who can continue delivering these important messages within their schools and communities,” Embahe said.
“Our goal is to ensure more girls have access to safe spaces where they can build confidence, develop leadership skills and learn valuable life lessons through football.”
The partnership between the PNGFA Women’s Football Development Team and the Wewak Football Association reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for women and girls to participate in football while promoting gender equality, health, safety and respect within communities.
PNGFA also acknowledged WFA President Judith Kumasi and her executive management for their hospitality and support in helping ensure the successful delivery of the programme.
The Wewak programme further demonstrates PNGFA’s commitment to using football as a tool for positive social change and community development, while strengthening local capacity so more women and girls can benefit from the sport both on and off the field.
