First Lady, Amb. Weah Pledges Women’s Empowerment through Sports  

The first Lady of the Republic of Liberia, Ambassador Clar M. Weah says she is delighted over her preferment as Ambassador and Champion of African Women Football.
Ambassador Weah said, though it came as a surprise, the new portfolio will enable her empower young women across the continent, particularly in Liberia.

“I was truly shocked to be appointed ambassador…,” she told reporters at the Roberts International Airport, RIA, in Margibi County upon arrival on a special flight from Morocco Wednesday.

“I’m happy also to be given the opportunity to be a champion for all of Africa, especially for Liberia; because I know that being an ambassador for football in Liberia will be able to help to empower young women.”
The Liberian President’s Spouse was named Ambassador and Champion of African Women Football Tuesday in the Moroccan City of Marrakech at the Confederation of African Football, CAF’s first ever Women Football Symposium.

This followed her brilliant presentation on behalf of the Liberia delegation, making the case for support to initiate grassroot sports development program in Liberia.
Such initiatives, according to her, would target children at the early age of six, teaching them the importance of the game and preparing them for the country’s national teams among other things.
This proposal was described by FIFA Secretary General, Fatima Samoura, as crucial, stressing that it has uncovered key areas that should be prioritized on the continent.
Ambassador Clar M. Weah noted that her new position is an instrument for using soccer to improve the lives of Liberian girls and women.

“…this is one of the reasons why I am so happy. I have seen what George (President George Weah) has done with soccer to imp

rove his life.
“And I know that with that tool, collectively, myself, FIFA and CAF would be able to do a lot to ignite football back into Liberia.”

She continued: “And in doing so I will use it as my tool, I will be the engine behind it to help our young girls.”

The Liberian First Lady further disclosed that the fruits of her new portfolio will shortly be seen as she was in close communication with the FIFA and CAF authorities.
The two-day Women football symposium held under the theme: raising our game’ was aimed at developing women's football on the continent.
It brought together a host of former and current players, referees, coaches, members of the media along with CAF President and FiFA General Secretary.

The assembly was split into seven working groups in which discussions focused sponsorship in women's football, competitions, governance, the media and the expansion of the women's game.

The decisions of the various working groups are expected to be presented to CAF's Executive Committee for review and implementation.