Under this umbrella, UN Women is partnering with FIFA on two calls to action: the first to “Unite for Gender Equality”, to realize gender equality as a fundamental human right and as critical for a peaceful and sustainable world; and the second to “Unite for Ending Violence against Women”, a call to end violence against women and girls as the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide.
“The women competing in this World Cup are role models for every girl on this planet”, said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. “Their strength and skills are inspirational. At the same time, this tournament is a reminder that there are too many women and girls who are excluded from the world of sport, and that even for those who do participate too often experience discriminatory treatment and, even in some cases, abuse. The Women’s World Cup shows us how much not only they but the whole world misses out on when we fail to afford women and girls the same opportunities as men and boys. Our partnership with FIFA, including on the global ‘Football Unites the World’ campaign, reflects a serious commitment and ambition to address that for everyone’s benefit.”
The two calls to action on gender equality will be promoted via the team captains’ armbands, pitch side digital LED boards, large flags presented on the pitch, giant screens in stadiums, and via social media. “Unite for Gender Equality” will be the featured message on match day 3 (30 July – 3 August 2023) and “Unite to End Violence against Women” will be the designated message during the Semi-Final (15 August 2023).
The Women’s World Cup is about women players scoring amazing goals, but the most important goal of all is gender equality. Donations towards these initiatives that will help UN Women in the fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in and through sport can be made here: https://donate.unwomen.org/en/fwwc2023.
Five other UN agencies have joined the “Football Unites the World” cause activation, including UNESCO, UNHCR, UN Human Rights Commission, World Food Programme, and World Health Organization.
