Australia Promotes the Empowerment of Women and Girls through Sport for International Women's Day
28 February 2019
This International Women’s Day, the Australian Embassy in Laos is highlighting the role of sport in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment by hosting a panel discussion with representatives of the Australian National U16s Women’s Football Team “the Junior Matildas” and the Lao Football Federation (LFF) in Vientiane.
The event was hosted by Australian Chargé Ms Jane Chandler, and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sport, the Lao Football Federation, the Lao Women’s Business Association, Australian businesses, and civil society organisations, along with Laos Australia National Scholarships students, Australian alumni and Lao ‘Male Champions of Change.’
“International Women’s Day on the 8th of March is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and call for more action on women’s rights. On this day in 2019, Australia is sharing the message that we are more powerful together, when we work in collaboration, to break down stereotypes and gendered roles. This way we can create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities” said Ms Jane Chandler in her opening remarks.
“Australia has a strong commitment to building relationships in our region through sport, because we know sports like football can play a big role in empowering girls, and teaching them important skills like leadership and teamwork.” she said.
The discussion panel included the Head of International Relations of the LFF, Ms Keo Phawadee, along with the Australian Team Head Coach Ms Rae Dower, and two of the Australian players. The panel reflected on their experiences of sport building relationships between countries, and promoting equal opportunities for women and girls.
“Communities, economies and countries are stronger when women and girls have equal voices and opportunities” said Ms Keo Phawadee. “It is great to see women developing confidence through football that can help them become leaders, and to see them build relationships with players from neighbouring countries like Australia.”
While in Laos, the Australian National U16s Women’s Football Team took the chance to meet and play football with some of the women Laos Australia National Scholarship students from the National University. This provided an opportunity for the young Lao and Australian women players to exchange skills and find inspiration in each other.
The empowerment of women and gender equality are key priorities for the Australian Government, and all Australian aid programs in Laos work to eliminate barriers to the participation and development of women and girls. This year, Australia is also delivering specific activities that have a focus on exchange between Australia and Lao youth, as part of its Australia Now: ASEAN 2019 campaign.
We encourage you to cheer the Australian National U16s Women’s Football Team who will be playing three football matches in Vientiane as part of the 2019 Asian Football Confederation U16 Women’s Championship qualifiers. They will face Iran on 3 March, Vietnam on 5 March, and Laos on 7 March at the Lao National Stadium.