In observation of Women’s Football Month, representatives of the St Lucia Football Association [SLFA] Inc. have delivered motivational messages for the occasion.
Message from SLFA President Lyndon Cooper:
It is with great pleasure that I address you on this auspicious occasion of the 2022 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The Saint Lucia Football Association Inc. once more celebrates Women’s Football Month this Month and has adopted the National Program developed by the Women’s Football Task Force for the observance of the Month, under the theme “Let Them Play”.
We believe that Football is a powerful influence that can provide support towards the clarion call of elimination and that we all should use its great power to influence positive change and action. The SLFA Inc. has over the years created avenues for the involvement of Women in all the activities associated with Football.
We have made it a point to highlight women who contribute to football and indirectly contribute to the development of our youth and communities. The SLFA Inc. boasts of a great majority of its staff which consists of women who with their male counterparts undertake the planning, Organization and implementation of football at the national level.
At the community level, our member Football Leagues, 19 in total each have an average of two (2) women on the executive committees working together with their male counter parts as well. The Women’s Football Development Program is made up Women’s Football Coordinators operating within their respective Football Leagues pushing the Women’s Football agenda.
This year, we have continued to hold special events in a bid to continue to increase the participation of Women and Girls in football and we continue to do so especially within this special month dedicated to highlighting Women in Football. Women’s Football has been and continues to play an important role and is an integral part of the development of football at the Saint Lucia Football Association.
The Women’s Football Task Force which has been given the responsibility to create new avenues to create the exposure of football in mainstream Saint Lucia has performed admirably in the performance of its duty. I also hope that you clearly understand and appreciate the obvious policy of the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc. in ensuring and creating safe spaces for women to be part and actively involved in football in Saint Lucia.
We must take them seriously as we move forward with them in the strategic planning and implementation of the beautiful game. We will continue to provide the opportunities to Women and Girls as well as continue the unceasing call for action to our member football leagues and Saint Lucia and continue to provide access to funding for innovative women’s and girl’s football programs and activities.
It would remise on me not to give special mention to the organizations that have been championing the cause of Women and Equality in our society. The “Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia” has been one of the most if not the most vocal organization calling for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in Saint Lucia, it gives us great pleasure to partner with them in this effort.
Like the game of football, let our passion be a commitment to collaborate, work together, cooperate, partner, love and respect all women today and always….Let them Play!”
Speech by Mary “Liz” Campbell – SLFA Inc. Women’s Football Coordinator:
Women play a pivotal role in the household, family and community as such we are the building block of our society.
Violence against women damages not only the individual but it has dire consequences for our families and society.
Therefore, no matter what form: violence is wrong and it is a profound lack of respect and encroaches on our fundamental human rights.
Diversity, tolerance/forgiveness, inclusion and good will should be the pillars of our fundamental rights. We need to say NO to violence against women. The SLFA has a zero tolerance to violence against women and issues a RED CARD to such violent conduct.
#stoptheviolence