Leah Williamson took a global spotlight on September 19 when she addressed the UN General Assembly in New York.
Our vice-captain talked about the positive impact of our Coaching for Life Programme in Jordan and how breaking down gender stereotypes is crucial in allowing girls around the world to flourish.
The UN General Assembly is one of the most prestigious events in the global calendar, bringing together heads of state, foundations, businesses and non-governmental organisations from around the world.
Leah was attending the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit and appeared on stage with education activist Vee Kativhu. Their session focused on education and its role in the empowerment of children across the world, especially through sports. Leah became the first England women’s footballer and first Arsenal player to take to the stage at the UN, and she passionately advocated for breaking down gender stereotypes and levelling the playing field for girls.
Leah used the platform to speak about her eye-opening experiences during her visit to Za’atari – the largest Syrian refugee camp in the world – where she saw first-hand the positive impact that Coaching for Life has had on girls and entire communities.
Coaching for Life, born from 38 years of experience in our local community, launched in Za’atari in 2018. When we started in the camp, only a handful of girls took part. Now, on its fifth anniversary, we’ve made the breakthrough of having an equal number of girls and boys graduate.
“Sport has the power to change lives – but it’s still not a level playing field for so many girls around the world,” Leah said. “Football definitely changed my life. After visiting the Za’atari refugee camp, I’ve seen how our football programme is helping the girls in the camp cope better with the challenges they face.
“Almost all women footballers will have a story about the challenges they faced taking up the game, but at least in countries like England and America we had a chance. In some countries girls have social restrictions that limit their access to playing football and that has to change. Through The Arsenal Foundation’s work with Save the Children, we’ve shown in Za’atari how we can empower girls through sport, and how boys can play an active role with us on that journey.”
Leah also discussed levelling the playing field for girls with HRH Prince William at the United Nations General Assembly.
It’s rare that a footballer is given the opportunity to speak on a global platform and we’re immensely proud that Leah was there to represent our club and our sport, demonstrating the very best of our values in showing the world what we stand for.
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