From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Ten teams including United States of America (USA), British High Commission (BHC), Canada, East Africa Communities (EAC) are among the 10 teams that would compete in the 5th edition of the FAME Foundation International Women’s Day Football Tournament as part of activities to mark International Women’s Day celebration.
Others listed for the competition taking place at the Area 3, Football Pitch, Garki, Abuja on Friday include International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA),) team FAME, team AWITA (Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture), team ANFS (Association of Female Students), team ASHWAN, (Association of Women Living with HIV/IADS in Nigeria), and team Bet9JA.
Executive Director of Fame Foundation, Aderonke Ogunleye, stated at a press conference held prior to the tournament that it is in line with the international celebration of International Women’s Day, which is devoted to honouring the accomplishments of women, advancing gender equality, and empowering women everywhere.
“This year, FAME Foundation is organizing its annual international football tournament for women. This is the fifth edition of the match and I can say it’s on of our biggest events of the year as it brings together different women from the highest sector of the society to the lowest. Women from diplomatic Communities down to the market women” she said.
According to Ogunleye this year’s IWD theme, ‘Count HER In: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ is a powerful call to address economic disempowerment and promote the advancement of women.
She recounted the challenges women are facing to include: “Inadequate funding for gender equality initiatives, stressing that only 4 per cent of total bilateral aid is allocated to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Others are violence against women and girls as each year, 245 million women and girls experience physical and/or sexual violence.
“Inadequate access to education and health care. An estimated 110 million girls and young women may remain out of school by 2030.
“Social norms and cultural practices these are harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation persist” she said.
Ogunleye added that other side attractions during the football match will include offer free screenings for cancer, pap smear tests, hepatitis screening, breast examinations, HIV tests, counseling, and eye tests, among other services by Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN).
She said: “EVA Nigeria will distribute free male and female condoms to prevent STis and promote family planning.
“We will also host educational sessions which will focus on accelerating progress for women in line with the SDGs’ Vision 2030.
“Alongside, there will be cheerleaders, mascots, and other attractions.
“We extend an invitation to everyone, including the media in Abuja and its surroundings, to join and participate in this event” she said.
Ogunleye noted that while there are challenges to be addressed, they are not insurmountable.
“It is more important than ever that we stand firm to champion the rights of every woman and girl by investing more to accelerate progress.
“Let’s continue to keep pushing – and working forthe gender agenda. Let’s create a world where women hold more leadership positions based on performance, and live without discrimination, harassment, and violence” she added.