CAFE Managing Director Joyce Cook has attended FIFA’s Women’s Football and Leadership Conference in Zurich.

The Conference, entitled “Equality Through Reform” brought together a wide range of voices from sport and wider society to discuss ways in which women’s football and women in football can be further promoted – particularly in light of FIFA’s recent reforms.

New FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Abby Wambach, Kristin Hetle, Sunil Gulati and tennis legend Billie Jean King were among the high-profile figures who spoke at the event.

Opening the Conference, Mr Infantino said, “I want to make FIFA an open and transparent organisation, and of course gender equality is a crucial component to show that we are serious about what we say”.

Speaking after the event, Joyce said, “I was very proud to be amongst so many brilliant women at the Conference, as well as some great men also supporting women in leadership. FIFA’s recent reforms are a fantastic opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion, which in turn will strengthen the integrity of the whole game”.

The Conference coincided with the annual celebration of International Women’s Day – which takes place the following day, on 8 March – and provides an annual focal point for women in sport and leadership.

The Conference also forms part of FIFA’s commitment to promote, develop and invest in women’s football so that the sport and those who play it can grow to their full potential across the world.

To find out more about the FIFA Women’s Football and Leadership Conference, please click here.

Published 07/03/2016