THE United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean congratulate the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA), hosts of the 2025 Regional Women’s Football Tournament slated to take place September 14 – 20, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, we reaffirm the UN’s founding principles of peace, dignity, and equality, anchored in a vision of inclusive development and empowerment. This is exemplified in women’s active participation in sports, where every woman and girl has the right to lead, compete, and thrive.
“The Caribbean is a collection of communities, of which sport is a vital component. This is critical as sport can drive social change through promoting fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for everyone,” said Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
One year after Hurricane Beryl, Caribbean islands have shown extraordinary strength. Sports, and football in particular, have remained a cornerstone of the Caribbean community, bringing people together, lifting spirits, and helping communities heal. The United Nations is pleased to partner with the WIFA Women’s Tournament, which will also serve as a powerful platform for women and girls to lead, inspire, and play ball!
“This event is more than a competition; it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and recovery,” said Isiuwa Iyahen, Head of Office a.i. UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean. “As we approach Beijing+30, your dedication on this field reflects how far we have come and reminds us of the journey ahead to secure equal opportunities for women and girls in all arenas, including sports. To each athlete here, your strength and skill are not only breaking barriers in football but also inspiring a new generation of women leaders, proving that true progress happens when women are visible, valued, and victorious—on and off the pitch.”
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, we are encouraged in the fact that this tournament exemplifies its key priorities. These include, creating a space where women lead on and off the field, amplifying women’s voices in decision-making, and creating access to equal opportunities for growth, education, and visibility. The UN team remains committed to supporting member states to further accelerate efforts towards achieving gender equality.
UNESCO’s International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, also recognises a fundamental right to physical education, physical activity and sport, including at all supervision and decision-making levels. It further specifies that “equal opportunity to participate … is the right of every girl and every woman that must be actively enforced.”
Global evidence shows that sport has the capacity to propel gender equality, mobilise the global community, and bridge national barriers and cultural differences. It is also a powerful advocacy tool to convey important messages to mass audiences.
To every woman, girl, and supporter involved in this important tournament, your participation goes beyond the scoreboard. It is a bold statement that equality, resilience, and unity will define our future.
Every match played is not only for a trophy, but for a promise of a bright future for every girl in the Caribbean.
As our region rebuilds, investing in women and girls in sports is an investment in stronger, fairer, and more resilient communities. (PRESS RELEASE)