Oceania Football Confederation has partnered with It’s a Penalty to launch the #KeepKidsSafe campaign in the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The campaign is a step toward OFC’s Pacific Legacy Programme that creates equal opportunity for girls and women in the region on and off the pitch.
It is reported that 2 out of 3 women in the Pacific are impacted by gender-based violence – creating awareness and education about this issue is essential.
“Working collaboratively toward our mutual aim of using the power of football to prevent abuse in sport, the #KeepKidsSafe campaign will support OFC in our efforts to educate about the need to safeguard children from abuse in sport, and equip and encourage children, parents, sports institutions, coaches, and fans to report concerns as we support girls and women to see sport as safe and to want to participate,” said Ali Osborne, OFC’s Social Responsibility and Legacy Programme Manager.
The It’s a Penalty #KeepKidsSafe campaign is dedicated to:
*Education about the need to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation, particularly in sport and from offenders in positions of trust, as well as the signs to look out for #knowthesigns
*Equipping children, parents and caregivers, sports organisations and coaches, sporting fans, tourists and the general public with ways to find support and how to report any concerns
*Encouraging people report suspected abuse or exploitation
The campaign incorporates a 30-second video featuring five international soccer stars competing in the Women’s World Cup, including Australian players Kyah Simon and Lydia Williams, as well as New Zealand’s Fern Ria Percival, Brazil’s Rafaelle Souza and England Lioness Mary Earps.
“When I was asked to join the It’s a Penalty KeepKidsSafe Campaign, I didn’t hesitate,” said Lydia Williams (Football Goalkeeper – Australia). “Protecting children from abuse and exploitation, particularly in sport, is a great cause to be a part of. Sports unite people from all different backgrounds, cultures and countries and can be harnessed to unite us to contribute to issues that we feel strongly about. I’m proud to show my support for this important campaign and be a part of #TeamSafeSport.”
The video will be shown on international flights into Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, operated by Air New Zealand, Emirates, British Airways and Cathay Pacific during July and August to coincide with the FIFA Women’s World Cup competition.
Campaign posters will be displayed at Sydney and Brisbane Airports in Australia, and Auckland and Hamilton Airports in Aotearoa New Zealand. All advertising has been donated to It’s A Penalty in-kind in support of this important campaign.
“We look forward to amplifying It’s a Penalty’s safeguarding messaging across the Pacific and partnering with this campaign moment to showcase our own progress and activity in this space,” said Ali Osborne.
SOURCE: OFC/PACNEWS
