FIFA teams with AU, WHO, CAF to promote campaign against domestic violence in Africa
The initiative is designed to support women and children
victims of domestic violence, particularly as stay-at-home measures in response
to COVID-19 have put them at greater risk. A number of African football stars
are supporting the campaign via video awareness messages distributed on social
and traditional media.
The African Union-FIFA-CAF memorandum of understanding,
which was concluded in February 2019, covers joint campaigns on topics of
mutual interest and the promotion of gender equality, a key principle. Other
areas of collaboration include education through football, sports integrity and
safety and security at football matches.
“I am glad that today we can launch this campaign on the
important topic of domestic violence, which is significantly exacerbated by
COVID-19 lockdown conditions and movement restrictions, together with our
partners, the African Union, WHO and CAF,” said FIFA President Gianni
Infantino. “It is our duty to leverage the immense popularity of football in
Africa to raise awareness on this societal challenge with a very clear message:
violence has no place in homes, just as it has no place in football.”
H.E. Amira Elfadil, African Union Commissioner for Social
Affairs, emphasised: ’’The African Union Commission is resolute and committed
to the protection of women and girls. We recognise and align ourselves with
FIFA, CAF and the World Health Organization and other stakeholders on the
efforts aimed at preventing abuse and domestic-based violence through
collaborative programming that links reconstruction, access to the continuum of
service, addressing the underlying social norms and harmful practices that
continue to perpetuate gender-based violence and inequality, as well as
community awareness and empowerment. We align ourselves to leverage the popular
appeal of football to raise awareness against domestic violence, particularly
as stay-at-home measures in response to COVID-19 are in place.’’
“Violence against women is a major threat to women’s health
and that of their children,” said Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
”It is also a grave violation of human rights – and it must end now. WHO is
proud to stand with FIFA, the African Union and CAF to launch this campaign
across Africa to bring attention to this critical issue. We are committed to a
world where women live free from violence and discrimination.”
CAF President Ahmad Ahmad stated: “Whether at home or on the
pitch, everyone is entitled to respect and safety. Domestic, physical or moral
violence, especially against women and children, must be condemned. Do not be
afraid or ashamed to seek help if you are a victim of violence in your own
home. If you are a witness to violence, intervene or get help, but do not stay
silent: remaining silent is to be guilty of complicity. Never forget that
everyone has a right to live in safety in their own home.”
The #SafeHome campaign launched today across Africa is part
of a wider global initiative to raise awareness on this critical issue. In
Africa, the awareness videos feature nine football stars – Abel Xavier,
Emmanuel Amuneke, Sarah Essam, Khalilou Fadiga, Geremi, Rabah Madjer, Lúcia
Moçambique, Asisat Oshoala and Clémentine Touré – who convey a series of key
messages to the public. The campaign is being published on various FIFA digital
channels and African Union and WHO channels. #SafeHome is also being supported
by multimedia toolkits for FIFA’s member associations and for media to help
facilitate additional localisation and to further amplify the message
worldwide.
FIFA is calling upon its member associations to actively publish details of national or local helplines and support services that can help victims and anyone who feels they are at risk of domestic violence in their locality. The world governing body also calls upon its members to review their own safeguarding measures using the FIFA Guardians toolkit to ensure that football is fun and safe for everyone in the game, especially women and the youngest members of the football family.
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