As women’s football continues to grow across Africa, one critical issue remains under-addressed: the stigma surrounding menstrual health. From challenges on the pitch to systemic barriers, female players face unique struggles that are finally starting to receive the attention they deserve.
Confronting Menstrual Health in African Football
Kenyan international footballer Esse Akida has firsthand experience of the stark differences in how menstrual health is addressed in Africa versus Europe. Having played professionally in Greece, Turkey, and Israel, Akida highlights the lack of support back home:
“In Europe, we had the option not to play during our periods if we weren’t comfortable,” she told BBC Sport Africa. “But in Kenya, that wasn’t available. Teammates with heavy flows couldn’t play. I’ve scored while on my period, but it’s not comfortable.”
Her experience is not unique. Many female players across Africa struggle with “period poverty”—a lack of access to sanitary products—impacting their ability to participate and excel in the sport. In fact, a 2023 FIFA Women’s Health report revealed that about 35% of African female players sometimes resort to using old rags as substitutes for sanitary products.
Cultural Taboos and the Need for Awareness
In many African cultures, menstruation remains a taboo topic, even within families. This silence extends to football, where male-dominated coaching and management teams often lack the understanding needed to create supportive environments for female players.
“Menstruation is rarely discussed openly,” says Meskerem Goshime, head of women’s football at the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “But women are not small men—our physiology is different. Coaches need to understand how menstrual cycles affect performance and create better support systems.”
CAF has been working to address this issue since 2021, promoting education about menstrual cycles and their impact on athletic performance. These efforts aim to normalise conversations and equip coaches with the knowledge to support their players.
The Importance of Female Representation
Akida believes one solution is increasing female representation in coaching and support staff roles. “Players are more comfortable discussing issues like periods with women,” she says. “We need more female coaches or at least women on the bench who can provide that support.”
A Broader Vision for Women’s Football in Africa
CAF is also looking at structural changes to elevate women’s football on the continent. The Women’s Champions League, launched in 2021, provides a platform for female players to showcase their talent and attract scouts from both African and international teams.
The success of African players like Zambia’s Barbra Banda, the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, highlights the potential of African talent on the global stage. “These successes send an important message,” says Goshime. “You can be a global sensation if you play football.”
However, challenges remain. Sparse attendance at matches and limited resources underscore the long road ahead in promoting the women’s game. But progress is being made, and the visibility of African players internationally is inspiring a new generation.
Breaking Barriers On and Off the Field
Tackling menstrual health challenges in African football is about more than physical comfort—it’s about equality and opportunity. By breaking taboos, addressing period poverty, and increasing female representation, the sport can create an environment where women thrive both on and off the pitch.
As Goshime puts it: “African players are proving their worth on the global stage. Now, it’s time to ensure they have the support they need at home.”
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