The FIFA Women’s World Cup is being held in Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever. As teams from around the world take to the field from 20 July to 20 August – it’s a powerful opportunity for us to put the fight for gender equality front and centre in the hearts and minds of millions. 

While there is much to celebrate with important advances in the world of sport, it is critical for us to remember that there’s still much to do to end gender inequality both on and off the field.

Women’s full and equal participation in all areas of life is a fundamental human right. Yet, around the world, from politics to the pitch, from the workplace to the playing field, women and girls are often excluded and we continue to see devastating rates of violence against women. In the Pacific alone women represent just 27% of management positions and a shocking 66% of women have been impacted by gender-based violence.

Football can be a powerful tool for delivering social change. In the Pacific, women and girls are learning important leadership skills, being provided with career opportunities as journalists and commentators, and improving their health and well-being through the This is How We Football program.

So this Women’s World Cup, let’s unite for gender equality… so everyone can play! Just $42 can give three young girls in the Pacific opportunities to play and learn both on and off the pitch.

When girls play and learn, we all win. During the Women’s World Cup, help us help more girls to change the game – and the world – through sport. 

Donate now and help UN Women level the playing field for women and girls in the Pacific.