Why the FIFA Men’s World Cup?

Set against the very serious concerns about the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar, we need to be open about our choice of #TheGoal campaign for White Ribbon Day.

We are an organisation that works specifically in England and Wales. That does not mean that we work in isolation from global issues and events, especially where there are human rights abuses, violence against women and girls and where there is not a commitment to gender equality.

Where appropriate, we support the campaigns of organisations who focus on these issues. We cannot, and must not, ignore the reality of women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, migrants rights and workers rights in Qatar. There are very serious questions that need answering by FIFA of the choice to hold the Men’s World Cup in a nation with such a track record.

There is still much to do to prevent violence against women and to achieve gender equality in England and Wales. Both nation’s football teams have qualified for the tournament and many of the people engaged with the tournament will be men, who it is important for us to reach with our key message.

#TheGoal encourages all men to join the team so that there can be an end to violence against women and girls. The ask is that they will nurture the positive traits we suggest to counter the harmful gender norms that can be so prevalent among men and sport. We know this is a not to be missed opportunity to share what White Ribbon means and the difference it can make to the lives of women and girls in England and Wales.