In recent years, female footballers have not only excelled on the pitch but also emerged as advocates for social change. From empowering young girls, to ensuring equal access to sports, these athletes are making a significant impact off the field. Here are some of the inspiring initiatives led by prominent female footballers around the world.
Asisat Oshoala – Empowering Young Nigerian Girls:
Nigerian footballer Asisat Oshoala, who plays for Bay FC, is renowned for her prowess on the field, but her influence extends far beyond football. Oshoala is an advocate for women’s participation in sports, particularly football. Through her nonprofit organisation, the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, she is dedicated to helping young, disadvantaged girls pursue their dreams in sports. As a teenager, Oshoala was discouraged from pursuing her football passion by her parents, who believed it would negatively affect her education. She explained how challenging this prevailing belief in Nigeria is, which is one of her charity’s major objectives.
“We’ve given hope to young girls, created opportunities for them, taught life skills, and changed lives.”
“We have educated parents, making sure they understand there’s a way of merging education and sports together, because where I come from, most parents think you have to stop sports just to focus on studying.”
Oshoala also hosts the annual Football4Girls tournament in Lagos, Nigeria. This event aims to provide young girls with the support and empowerment they need to follow in her footsteps. The tournament offers access to facilities, training, gear, and scholarships, ensuring that these girls have the resources necessary to succeed in football and beyond.
Leah Williamson & Lotte Wubben-Moy – Advocating for Gender Equality in Sports:
Arsenal and England’s Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy have made significant strides in promoting gender equality in sports. Following their success in the Euros in 2022, the duo petitioned for the UK government to ensure equal access to football for both boys and girls in schools. Their activism has led to a groundbreaking change: schools in England are now required to offer equal access to sports for all students and deliver a minimum of two hours of physical education per week. This achievement not only champions gender equality but also promotes the health and well-being of children across England. Williamson and Wubben-Moy’s efforts have set a precedent for other countries to follow, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities in sports education.
When Lotte Wubben-Moy signed her Arsenal contract extension in 2022, she made a commitment to community work as well as football. With the help of Arsenal in the Community and the staff at the Hub, the Time to Explore programme was born. Leah Williamson also works closely with Save the Children. In 2019, Williamson saw firsthand the incredible impact that Save the Children has on girls living in the most disadvantaged slum communities in Jakarta, Indonesia, where children face daily struggles such as poverty, exploitation, and violence.
Vivianne Miedema – Supporting Children in War-Affected Areas:
Dutch footballer Vivianne Miedema is not only a star on the pitch but also a dedicated philanthropist. As an ambassador for War Child, a non-profit organisation that supports children in war-affected areas, Miedema uses her platform to bring attention to the needs of these vulnerable children.
Miedema is also part of the Common Goal campaign, joining other prominent athletes in committing 1% of her salary to community charities working with young people. Her dedication to supporting children and promoting social causes exemplifies the power of athletes to drive positive change.
Miedema also worked with Rainbow Laces to celebrate their tenth birthday. Since Rainbow Laces kicked off in 2013, over a million people have laced up in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, fitness, and physical activity. She also got the chance to design her own football as part of the anniversary. Miedema’s guidance for young players is:
“Be yourself. It is important to stay true to your own values and, obviously, to enjoy it as much as you can.”
Alex Morgan – Creating Equity and Opportunity:
American football star Alex Morgan launched the Alex Morgan Foundation in 2023, focusing on creating equity and opportunity both on and off the field. The foundation aims to identify and address the roadblocks that prevent communities from reaching their full potential. By investing in tangible solutions through research, partnership building, and unwavering commitment, the foundation supports girls and women in finding their own confident paths in sports and life. Morgan’s Foundation is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed. Her efforts highlight the importance of equity in sports and beyond, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
In 2016, Morgan joined UNICEF Kid Power as a UNICEF Kid Power Champion in an effort to fight global malnutrition and raise awareness among kids via the world’s first “wearable for good,” created by UNICEF.
Aitana Bonmati:
Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish professional football player for FC Barcelona and has also been a high-profile supporter of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, since 2022. Bonmati’s dedication extends far beyond the pitch. She has played a huge part in several UNHCR initiatives, utilising her platform to amplify the needs of refugees across the globe. Her commitment focuses on gender equality rights and the social integration of refugee women and girls through sport.
To mark International Day of the Girl in October 2022, Aitana visited A.E. Ramassá, an inclusive women’s football team, with UNHCR and the FC Barcelona Foundation. Here she trained with female refugees and asylum seekers, sharing with them a message of encouragement and perseverance. And in 2023, Bonmati joined an initiative to illustrate the power of sport for refugee children. Young refugees from Honduras and Ukraine had the opportunity to attend their first-ever match at the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona and speak with her.
Photo – https://www.bellanaija.com/2021/07/asisat-oshoala-foundation-actdf/
