December 16 – Organisers in Jordan want next year’s under-17 women’s World Cup to “send a message that will hopefully ripple across the region” in terms of promoting gender equality.
The women’s game lags behind the men in several Middle East countries and it is hoped the event will boost participation and allow more girls to be given the right to play.
“The tournament will be a landmark for women’s football and in the region. It will be the ideal platform to highlight how football can contribute to change society and break barriers,” says Tatjana Haenni (pictured), FIFA Deputy Director and Head of Women’s Football.
“The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2016 will inspire even more women and girls to play football in Jordan and the Middle East and consequently raise the level of the game.”
The tournament kicks off on September 30 and organising committee CEO Samar Nassar said: “This World Cup will raise the profile of women’s football and women’s sports in general. It will send a message that will hopefully ripple across the region – one of girls’ and women’s empowerment and of using football as a platform for social change,”
Nassar is somewhat of a role model when it comes to breaking down barriers and defying gender stereotypes, having taken part in two editions of the Olympic Games as a swimmer, representing Palestine in 2000 and Jordan in 2004. “When young girls are on the pitch here, they are not just kicking the ball for themselves or their countries, but for all the girls out there – for women’s empowerment and for promoting gender equality,” she added.
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