Alexei Rojas: “We must foster trust and support”

As part of our celebration of International Women’s Month we know how important it is to have allies, so we spoke to Arsenal Under-18s goalkeeper Alexei Rojas on the importance of women in his life, being an ally and how men can help create a more equal society.

What does International Women’s Month mean to you?

International Women’s Month is a time to celebrate and empower women, especially those whose contributions often go unrecognised. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable role women play in our careers, homes and society at large. It’s about recognising their achievements and highlighting the importance of gender equality.

It allows us to recognise the immense value that countless women bring to society across various fields, be it in their careers, at home or in the wider world.

Can you share a story about a woman who has had a significant impact on your life or career?

My mum has given me a wonderful upbringing and has always supported me in everything I do. I’m grateful that when I was younger, she spoke Russian to me, and I’ve been able to speak that as a language. She’s always given me a good basis of how I should be as a person: having good values, being respectful, working hard and being resilient. That’s all from my mum.

With my football, she gave me her time by taking me to training and picking me up, taking me to matches and helped me by paying for my kit, feeding me, nurturing me. Now, these are all the duties of a mother, but we need to appreciate how tough it can be to raise a child, which is why I’m so appreciative of her. She’s been a massive help to me. She’s always been there in difficult times and has been a shoulder for me to lean on whenever I need her.

How amazing is it to see Arsenal Women sell out back-to-back games at Emirates Stadium?

It’s truly remarkable and uplifting to witness the Arsenal Women’s team playing at the Emirates Stadium and achieving back-to-back sellouts. This achievement highlights the undeniable demand and support for women’s football. As part of the Arsenal family, both the men’s and women’s teams inspire and represent the club with distinction.

Their success not only on the field but also in drawing large crowds underscores the significant impact they have in inspiring the next generation of young girls to pursue football and realise their dreams within the sport. It’s heartening to see young fans proudly wearing the women’s team’s shirts. It symbolises the growing recognition and acceptance of women’s football.

Arsenal has undoubtedly been at the forefront, setting the standard with their high attendances, unwavering support and consistent success. But there’s still more work to be done to ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities to thrive in football. We must continue to build on this momentum and strive for gender equality in all aspects of the game, ensuring that every individual has the chance to fully pursue their passion and talent.

Which women inspire you as you go about your career?

The Colombian Women’s National Team serves as a source of inspiration for me. Their recent performances, particularly in the 2023 Women’s World Cup where they reached the quarter-finals, have not only showcased their talent but have also inspired countless young girls in Colombia to pursue football. Witnessing their achievements highlights the potential and impact of women in the sport, especially in regions where support and funding for women’s football may be limited.

Also, Natalia Giraldo’s journey serves as a powerful inspiration for many aspiring goalkeepers, including myself. Her rise from the Under-20s to becoming the starting goalkeeper for the Colombian national team shows her talent, dedication and resilience. She has the ability to perform in high-pressure situations and she consistently delivers strong performances.

One particular game that stands out is her outstanding performance against the USA, where she kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw. It highlighted her skill and composure under pressure at the highest level of the sport.

Giraldo’s story motivates me to follow a similar path, to work my way up through the ranks and representing my country as a goalkeeper. Her journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance, self-belief and dedication in achieving one’s goals in football.

How can men contribute to creating safe spaces for women to express themselves and share their experiences?

The key principle is to uplift women rather than diminish them. As men, it’s essential to actively create an inclusive environment where women feel respected, empowered and able to express themselves freely. We must foster trust and support, ensuring that women feel valued and heard in all settings. It’s crucial not to belittle or patronise women but to provide fair opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender. By fostering equality and creating space for women to voice their experiences and perspectives, we contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Men can also actively support gender equality by treating everyone fairly and with respect, regardless of gender. It involves giving everyone equal opportunities based on merit rather than preconceived notions. By being aware of biases and prejudices and actively working to overcome them, men can contribute to creating a more equitable society.