FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura has said racism should not be countenanced especially in the sporting fraternity
She said this as the Guest Speaker at the just-ended 2nd edition of the Africa Women’s Sports Summit held via a live webinar under the theme ‘Shifting mindsets’, on Wednesday September 2.
This year’s event brought together women in various sports leadership roles connected by their vast experience in the space.
The event that puts the best sports brains together to foster development was hugely successful.
Due to Covid-19 challenges, the 2020 edition was restricted to an online webinar but the attendance was hugely impressive.
Fatma Samoura says she is using her position to champion diversity for women and people of colour.
”I champion not only diversity for women but people of colour in general and I’m proud to have been able to use my platform to highlight the injustice suffered by many of our black brothers and sisters in America.
“No one must suffer on the pitch because of his or her colour. Racism should be nowhere in society,” she said.
“Football is indeed changing and I’m encouraged by the increasing number of women participation at the top level.”
Sierra Leone FA President Isha Johansen says all she wants to do is to challenge the status quo and create a difference in the way women are perceived in the sports industry, adding she faced many challenges throughout her career as a woman.
“My story is about fighting the status quo in terms of football governance and compliance,” she said, “it is about challenging and bringing about change.”
Also speaking at the summit was the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku.
He challenged the sports community to be more accommodating to women by giving them a helping hand to succeed.
He asked colleague speakers to keep serving as role models to the upcoming young ones.
“It is imperative that all effort is made to include and promote women in sports especially in football.
“When we do this, we can encourage women to champion the course of action, inspiration we say comes in all forms and in all avenues,” he insisted.
“Continue to serve as role models to the young ones; let your name and achievements be on the lips of every girl and woman, show them the meaning of teamwork, resilience and confidence,” he added.
By Sakyibea Ofori|3news.com|Ghana