A showcase for the development of women's football in Africa? The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the under-representation of women coaches

This chapter explores the uneven playing field for women coaches in African football. It provides an overview of the obstacles and barriers women coaches in Africa face, before establishing potential factors that could enhance opportunities for women in coaching – something which could, in turn, contribute to the overall growth of football across the continent. While gender discrimination may be a global issue in football, the chapter argues that it is vital to examine whether practical and cultural differences present additional challenges for aspiring women coaches in African nations. The chapter then proposes ways of addressing some of the core issues for developing women coaches in Africa, whilst highlighting considerations for administrators and policymakers.