BURNLEY FC TO PARTNER WITH INSPIRE INDONESIA ON GENDER EQUALITY INITIATIVE
January 18, 2019
Burnley FC in the Community (FCitC) continues to expand its catalogue of international programmes with the team set to deliver a new 2019 programme tackling gender inequality in Indonesia. Working alongside local community organisation, Inspire Indonesia, community staff will support with the delivery of “Pledge United”, which is a football-based programme aimed at promoting social and gender equality.
The two organisations met at the Beyond Sport United and Beyond Sport Global Awards convening in New York last September, where both were shortlisted for community sport projects. Following the meeting, they are set to collaborate on the project, despite the over 7,000 mile distance between the UK and Indonesia.
Funded by the Premier League International Development Fund, staff will deliver three phases of the programme throughout the year, with the first due to start in February. Gender inequality is a significant issue in Indonesia, with United Nations studies in Asia finding that 23% of all Asian women had been raped in their lifetime. In certain Indonesian provinces, rates were even higher.
As a result, the Pledge United programme helps raise awareness of the issue and works to achieve an Indonesian society that is more peaceful, inclusive and less violent for all its citizens. Using the power of the Burnley FC brand, the programme will engage hundreds of participants, specifically males aged 13-19 and provide football coaching and education around gender equality.
Burnley FC in the Community’s Chief Executive Officer, Neil Hart, said: “At BFCitC, our mission is to inspire, support and deliver change and alongside our vital charitable work back home in East Lancashire. We are keen to work with the Premier League on community projects making a social impact around the world. Gender inequality is a real social issue in Indonesia, and through this Premier League International Development funding we aim to make a significant difference and provide positive change to the lives of many.”
Jon Hamilton, the Executive Director of Inspire Indonesia said: “through football we can create awareness, educate and help change the attitude of the next generation of men.”
Burnley FC in the Community, the official of Burnley FC has a strong presence in the English region of East Lancashire engaging with over 30,000 individuals over the course of the 2017/18 season, with over 100 staff delivering over 50 community programmes.