Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye, the Executive Director FAME Foundation, flanked by officials of the NGO during a press conference ahead of annual international football tournament for women in Abuja on Wednesday.
By Chidiebere Ugwu
Teams United States of America (USA) team British High Commission (BHC) team Canada are among the 10 teams that would compete in the 5th edition of the FAME Foundation International Women’s Day Football Tournament holding at the Area 3, Football Pitch, Garki, Abuja on Friday.
Others listed for the competition being organized by FAME Foundation, include: Team International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), team East Africa Communities (EAC), 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.
Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye, the Executive Director of Fame Foundation, at a press conference ahead of the tournament, noted that the tournament, which is in its 5th edition aligns with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, which is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, promoting gender equality, and empowering women around the world.
“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 one 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.
She said that the theme for this year’s IWD, is: ‘Count HER In: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ describing the 2024 theme as a powerful call to address economic disempowerment and promote the advancement of women.
According to the Executive Director, recounted the challenges women are facing in 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.
Ms. Aderonke Ogunleye disclosed that there would be other side attractions during the football match adding that various organizations will host side events.
“Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) will offer free screenings for cervical cancer, pap smear tests, hepatitis screening, breast examinations, HIV tests, counseling, and eye tests, among other services.
“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 further stated that there are still many challenges to be addressed, but 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.
