Women’s football was part of a broader social movement long before the first major tournaments ever took place. The foundations were built back in the 1960s, as women across the continent fought for their right to participate in political and social life.

The fact that this year’s African Women’s Day coincides with WAFCON 2026 offers a fresh perspective on the history of women’s football in Africa, revealing roots that lie far beyond the pitch.

Start of long journey

The story began in July 1961, when African women active in national liberation movements gathered in Conakry. At the conference, they agreed to establish a unified organization to mobilize women across the entire continent.

Just a year later, on July 31, 1962, that vision became reality in Dar es Salaam. Delegates representing 10 independent nations and roughly 14 liberation movements officially founded the African Women’s Union.

Key founders included Putuse Appolus, Phoebe Asiyo, Fatia Bettahar, and Angie Brooks. Together with fellow activists, they championed women’s rights, pushed for equal participation in political, social, and economic life, and fought tirelessly to throw off colonial rule.

July 31 becomes symbolic

At a 1974 summit in Dakar, the group was renamed the Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO). During the gathering, July 31 was officially designated African Women’s Day – a date chosen and declared by the activists themselves.

Africa is one of the few regions where Women’s Day grew out of a grassroots political struggle rather than a mandate from governments or international bodies.

Taking fight to pitch

In those years, it was not about football, but about winning women the right to be seen and heard. Over time, social changes opened doors for sports as well. As women…