Female Football Manager Breaks Barrier: Arooj Sohail Butt Takes Charge of Men's U-17 Squad
Pakistan Appoints First Female Manager of Men's Under-17 National Football Team
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has made a significant stride in promoting gender equality in sports by appointing Arooj Sohail Butt as manager of the Pakistan men's under-17 national football team. This marks a historic moment, as Butt is the first woman to hold a managerial position for a men's national football team in Pakistan [1][2][4][5].
Butt's appointment is a bold and symbolic step promoting gender equality and empowerment in sports. By breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated field, especially in Pakistan where women’s participation and leadership in sports have been limited, the PFF is setting a precedent that women can lead and manage men's teams successfully [1][2]. This move could inspire other sports organizations globally to embrace gender diversity in coaching and management roles.
Arooj Sohail Butt will oversee the under-17 squad as they prepare for the upcoming SAFF Championship and Asian qualifiers later this year [3]. Her appointment aligns with the PFF's commitment to creating opportunities for qualified women in leadership roles in football [4][5].
The PFF's decision adheres to FIFA and AFC safeguarding standards, ensuring the rights and well-being of minors in the sport are protected [6]. Butt is certified in safeguarding by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) [7].
This appointment also promotes broader acceptance of women in sports beyond player roles, encouraging inclusion in strategic and decision-making positions [1][2]. Within Pakistan, this move aligns with efforts to elevate women in football, as seen by the development of women's teams and competitions since the early 2000s [8].
The PFF's decision regarding women in football is aimed at encouraging more women to contribute in strategic and operational roles [9]. This commitment to gender equality is in line with FIFA's anti-discrimination stance and its directive for the full participation of women at all levels of football governance [10].
In 2019, the PFF Normalisation Committee appointed Manizeh Zainli as general secretary, marking a previous instance of a woman holding a high-level position [11]. Initiatives like Arooj Sohail Butt's appointment are aimed at breaking barriers for women's contribution in strategic and operational roles.
The representation of women in high-performance and decision-making positions in Pakistan's football has been low. However, the PFF's decision demonstrates a commitment to creating opportunities for qualified women in leadership roles in football [12]. The appointment of Arooj Sohail Butt reinforces the PFF's commitment to safeguarding, professionalism, and institutional excellence [13].
In conclusion, Arooj Sohail Butt’s appointment as manager of the Pakistan men's under-17 national football team is a significant step toward gender equality in sports in Pakistan. This move reflects the federation's commitment to building an inclusive and professional environment [14].
- The historical decision could inspire other sports organizations worldwide to promote gender diversity in their coaching and management roles, similarly to how the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has done with the appointment of Arooj Sohail Butt.
- Emboldened by the PFF's commitment, women may now look towards pursuing careers in various sectors of sports management, such as health-and-wellness, environment, and even science, breaking down longstanding barriers.
- As an advocate for gender equality, Arooj Sohail Butt can also create awareness about womens-health issues in the athletes she manages, helping improve overall health and wellness within the team environment.
- In addition, the PFF's decision underscores the importance of safeguarding measures being applied consistently across all sports fields, contributing positively to the broader social responsibility of promoting a clean and fair sports culture for future generations.
