Global Goal-scoring

Last week, the team at Festival23 put together the most exciting week furthering the work of the global Sport For Good community. Under the guidance of their predominately female leadership team, 77 female delegates participated in workshops and tournaments that encompassed four main goals:

1. Gender Equity

2. Climate Action

3. Employability

4. Social Inclusion

Across the week it was clear that equal opportunities for women were a necessity at the forefront of Festival23’s work. Providing leadership opportunities at various levels allowed them to inspire and promote participation and engagement amongst staff, participants, and volunteers.

Through workshops and pledges led by Spirit of Football the delegates engaged in responsible environmental practices. This involved undertaking mindful selection, treatment, and disposal of all activities and items, whilst continuing education, mitigation, and ongoing commitment to climate action. Delegates also joined and designed football sessions that brought the climate action goals to life on the field.

It was evident during the employability workshops that partner organisations from around the world had high aspirations to play a key role in providing future employment opportunities for the delegates and their communities. Led by Ashoka’s Alex Richmond, delegates were asked to explore their passions in their context, by ideating jobs that their organisations could feasibly create which also bring value to their communities. Monika Kumari attended the workshop and discovered her mission is to, “create jobs for women in her locality,” as there is a high school dropout rate that is compounded by early marriage statistics. Monika believes that creating employment for women in her community will help to empower them to move towards furthering gender equity.

Inclusivity was also firmly embedded into the week by embracing the power of diversity and the empowering effect of unity. Festival23 advocated for the inclusion of all participants regardless of age, sex, gender, orientation, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or socio-economic status. The disability inclusion workshop - led by Western Australia’s Football Futures Foundation and Leisl Stimpson from Special Olympics Australia - provided delegate Leanne Bates with perspective and furthered her understanding of why “holding space” for people of all abilities is important. She believes the acceptance and celebration of inclusive spaces will allow for respectful involvement and contributions in our communities.

Thanks to our Global Icon partners including FIFA Women’s Development Program, UEFA Foundation for Children, Hyundai, Fox, Adidas, The US Consulate in Sydney, Generation Amazing Foundation, Rexona, and the Australian Government, Festival23 encapsulated a vibe of inclusion, respect, creativity, encouragement, and cross-cultural engagement that only a global gathering of like-minds can facilitate.