Libya's First Female Football Club President Takes Charge

When all three of her competitors withdrew from the race, Intisar Shanib became president of Darnes Sports Club without opposition, making her the first woman to lead a football club in Libya's history.

Shanib, already serving as a member of parliament for Derna and chairperson of the women and child affairs committee in the House of Representatives, called it "a crowning achievement for all the women of Libya." Her rivals didn't step aside randomly. They recognized her powerful connections and vision for rebuilding the struggling club.

The challenge ahead is enormous. Darnes Sports Club, founded in 1958 and known as "The Elegant" for its graceful playing style, carries heavy debts and battle scars from Libya's civil conflict. Then came Storm Daniel in September 2023, killing thousands in Derna and destroying much of the city's infrastructure.

But Shanib isn't intimidated. "The task is not easy, but it is an honor for me and an honor for any Libyan woman," she told reporters. Her family ties to the club run deep. Her brother and uncle both played for Darnes, and the team holds a special place in her childhood memories.

Mohamed Abdel-Aty, the acting president of the club's general assembly, emphasized that Derna is full of capable women ready for leadership positions. The entire city, from management to fans, is rallying behind her.

Why This Inspires

Shanib knows critics will question whether a woman can handle the job. Her response cuts straight to the heart of the matter: "Leadership is not measured by whether a woman or a man leads, but by competencies and capabilities."

She's joining a growing movement of women breaking barriers in football across Africa and the Arab world. Uganda's Anisha Muhoozi has led Kampala Capital City Authority club since 2018. Brazil's Leila Pereira has guided Palmeiras to major titles since 2021. Saudi Arabia saw its first female club president, Hanan Al-Qurashi, in 2023.

Her immediate plans focus on developing new revenue streams so the club can become financially independent while investing heavily in youth development. The fans of Darnes are watching closely, hopeful that fresh leadership can restore their beloved club to its former glory.

For a city still rebuilding from unimaginable loss, Shanib's appointment offers something Derna desperately needs: a reason to believe in the future.