Fatma Samoura, a remarkable trailblazer hailing from Senegal, etched her name in history as the first female FIFA Secretary General, firmly establishing herself as a prominent figure in world football.
Her unwavering dedication to the development of the women’s game and her instrumental role in championing the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ make her an outstanding addition as a confirmed speaker at The Power of Her – Creating Change: Harnessing Power for Gender Equality leadership symposium program.
This distinguished symposium is set to take place on Tuesday, 8 August 2023, at Adelaide Oval, as part of the State Government’s concerted efforts to leverage Adelaide’s role as host city to advance gender equality across SA.
As a strong advocate for gender equality in football, Samoura’s involvement in the event aligns with her active role within FIFA. She will address the topic of Beyond Greatness and discuss how the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ initiative embodies FIFA’s vision for the advancement of women’s football and female leadership.
Prior to joining FIFA, Samoura held various positions within the United Nations, working on significant humanitarian projects across Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia.
During the symposium, Samoura will share her insights and knowledge as a global leader, emphasising FIFA’s commitment to addressing gender disparity at all levels of the sport, from grassroots to the elite.
Furthermore, Samoura remains dedicated to advocating for human rights, and her current position provides her with a platform to shed light on crucial issues and broader global challenges.
Joining the program alongside Fatma Samoura are other recently announced powerful women:
*Lauren Jackson AO OLY, athlete, Olympian, social entrepreneur and social agitator;
*Moya Dodd AO, lawyer, sports administrator, former vice-captain of Australia’s women’s football team, the Matildas and #womeninFIFA reform leader;
*Sarah Gun, award-winning innovator, disruptor, thought leader and crusader for a socially equitable world;
*Taryn Brumfitt, bestselling writer, director, body image campaigner, mother of four and 2023 Australian of the Year;
*Sam Bloom, surfing champion, adventure seeker, mother and neurology nurse; and
*Rana Hussain, inspirational speaker, diversity champion, trailblazer across the worlds of sport and media.
For more information about The Power of Her – Creating Change: Harnessing Power for Gender Equality and to secure your ticket click here. Early bird registration now open.
Quotes
Attributable to Katrine Hildyard
Seeing the world’s best athletes celebrated for being strong and physical gives us an unprecedented opportunity to shift perceptions about women.
It is wonderful to have Fatma joining us in Adelaide for this symposium which will advance positive change that empowers women to lead in every setting and to pursue greatness.
The Power of her will embrace this unique moment to tackle gender inequality and all that inhibits women from equally and actively leading in every aspect of the community and economy. It will provide attendees with practical tools, fresh perspectives and influential connections to advance change in their own communities and environment, and beyond.
Attributable to Madame Secretary General Fatma Samoura, FIFA
I decided to join FIFA because I knew that there were some challenges, but I wanted also to see how I could bring about changes in a more sustainable manner in the life of the millions of people who dream of football, who think football, who love football and who breathe football.
Inspiration knows no boundaries, and neither does greatness. The FIFA Women’s World Cup has become a powerful catalyst for change, transcending cultural, age, and gender barriers. Let us harness the momentum of this remarkable event to empower women in leadership, driving change for gender equality beyond the confines of the pitch.
Together, we can create a legacy that extends beyond greatness and sets the stage for a more inclusive and equitable future in football for all.
FIFA provides me with the platform and the opportunity to advocate for change and gender equality on a global stage. I am really looking forward to joining the program for The Power of Her and support events like this, to ensure the ongoing championing of change.