On March 8, marking International Women’s Day 2022, FAME Foundation held her annual Generation Equality International Football Tournament.

Starting at 9 a.m at Area 3 Football Pitch, Garki, eight teams gathered for a day of exhilaration, sportsmanship, and the celebration of womanhood.

The event kicked off with all participating teams shaking hands with Dame Pauline Kedem Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, and Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Country Representative. The two inspirational women addressed the crowd, encouraging women to push the barriers and speak out against injustice.

“God did not make a mistake by creating a woman. He did not create a woman to be trampled upon. He created women to be a help-mate, a partner in progress, so we are calling on Nigerian men and everyone to join hands together and move the issue of women forward,” Tallen said.

The minister also called on women in the country to continue to strive.

“I pray that this year’s IWD will be better than the previous years, even though we had setbacks following the gender equality bill that was rejected by the National Assembly.

We are not giving up; we will continue to push until we change the mindset of people and improve the participation of women in politics and beyond,” Tallen said.

The tournament commenced with a game between Team NCWS and Team UN. As the tournament continued with high energy, the band and cheerleaders entertained the crowd.

The event was not limited to sporting activities. Planned Parenthood of Nigeria spoke on family planning and illustrated the usage of the male and female condoms. Free condoms were also distributed, while hepatitis, HIV, and cervical screening tests were carried out.

In between the matches were interactive talk sessions on and women’s participation in leadership and ending SGBV in society.

CAPPA also held a talk on the health risks associated with the consumption of trans fats and their effects on the body. These insightful talks ensured participants learned something new about pressing health issues in Nigeria and their adverse effects.

All teams showed immense grit and heart throughout the game, but Team NCWS secured the winning position. Team Equality was presented with the runners-up silver medals, and Team FAME/AMAC took home the bronze. The medals were presented to the top three winning teams by Daniel Amokachi, Ex-Football International, and Special Adviser to President Buhari on Sports.

Proceeds from the event were used to award educational scholarships to 10 underprivileged school girls. The scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries by Emmanuel Babayaro, Ex-Football International.

Click for scholarship awards pictures

The Generation Equality International Football Tournament was a massive success, a day to renew and celebrate our shared commitment towards gender equality. It was incredible to gather many individuals, all united by one common goal.

As another International Women’s Day passes, FAME calls on the government, civil societies, agencies, and individuals to reflect and act on what can be done to #BreakTheBias.