By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a great way as FAME Foundation has concluded arrangements to host its annual international football competition solely for women of all social strata at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Garki on Friday by 9 am prompt.
The tournament which is in its 5th edition will feature no fewer than 10 women’s football teams including the Team USA, Canada and British, sponsored by the United States of America Embassy, British and Canadian High Commission in Nigeria respectively.
Also, teams will be presented by Team FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers); Team EAC, East Africa Communities , Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (Team AWTA); Association of Nigeria Female Students Team (ANFS); Association of Women Living With Aids in Nigeria (ASHWAN); Team BET8JA and Team FAME, comprising of staffing volunteers of FAME Foundation.
Speaking at a press conference to herald the upcoming international event on Wednesday in Abuja, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, revealed that FAME International Women’s Day Football Tournament 2024 is one of the many ways to mark the important day this year.
According to her the event 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.
Ogunleye said that the press conference seeks to build awareness ahead of the tournament, as well as the opportunity to roll out the event schedule ahead of the 5th edition of the tournament, which will feature eight women’s team.
She told the media that covering this event will not only highlight the outstanding abilities of the eight women’s teams participating in the tournament, but will also contribute to the larger goal of empowering women in sports.
Said she: “Your coverage will help raise awareness about the challenges women face, as well as inspire others to support and celebrate their achievements.
Meanwhile, the FAME Foundation boss has disclosed that the football tournament is “Our biggest events of the year as it brings together different women from the highest sector of the society to the lowest including women from the diplomatic communities down to the market women.”
Also she said there will be several side attractions during the football tournament as various organisations will host side events such as Planned Prarenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) will offer free cervical cancer, pap smear tests, hepatitis screening, breast examinations. HIV tests and counselling, and eye tests , among other services. READ ALSO:
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However, the outspoken activist has listed the challenges facing women to include Inadequate funding for gender equality initiatives, pointing out that only 4% of total bilateral aid is allocated to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She also argued that about 245 million women and girls experience physical and /or sexual violence.
“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 investing more to accelerate progress”, she concluded.
