Playing for equality

A special friendly match was recently held between representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and the Azerbaijan women's Under-19 team in support of gender equality in the country. Both teams wore kit promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and featuring the hashtag #playforequality.

The event was jointly organised by the UN, the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), the heads of mission spouses association in Azerbaijan and the Mexican embassy, with the support of the local ministry of youth and sport.

"Sport has huge potential to empower women and girls and provide them with life skills and opportunities," said Ghulam Isaczai, the UN's resident coordinator in Azerbaijan, in his welcome address.

"The UN will continue to work with the Azerbaijani authorities and civil society in its efforts to empower girls and women." Indeed, the opportunity to play sport is a fundamental right for all, according to Article 1 of UNESCO's International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport.

The young female players who took part in the match did a great job of promoting gender equality, acting as role models and showcasing their skills.

This article originally appeared in UEFA Direct 178