As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls approaches on November 25, Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is gearing up to shine a spotlight on this critical issue through its impactful #ENDviolence campaign.

Within the Pacific region, around 80 per cent of children have experienced some form of direct violence or abuse.

In addition, evidence shows that 66 per cent of women in the South Pacific have been impacted by gender-based violence.

Up to 68% of women have reported experiencing physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime. The perceptions supporting these behaviours are embedded in children and youth, with 75% of adolescent boys thinking that it is ok to beat your wife.

Recognising the influential role of football, OFC has long championed the sport as a practical and powerful medium for disseminating important messages. Key initiatives such as Football for Development programmes, This Is How We Football, and Just Play are pivotal drivers in the pursuit of an inclusive Oceania and the achievement of OFC’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality.

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals

This Is How We Football and the Just Play programme will spearhead a 16-day advocacy campaign, commencing on the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on November 25 and concluding on December 10.

Advocacy and visibility will be paramount during this period, with programme festivals across our Member Associations and a robust presence on social media platforms. The campaign will illuminate current insights and underscore the impact of OFC’s football for good programmes, providing helplines and resources for those in need.

It is vital to elevate awareness of these alarming statistics and strive collectively to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. Harnessing the power of football, let us all become advocates for gender equality and contribute meaningfully to OFC’s Sustainable Development Goal 5. Together, we can make a tangible difference.

Show your support by spreading the word on social platforms, using the hashtags #ENDviolence and #NoExcuse

Raise your red card in solidarity by sharing the 🟥 emoji. Let’s stand united against violence and work towards a safer, more equitable world.

Stay up to date on the campaign by following This Is How We Football and Just Play.