UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia make an appeal for gender equality at the Women’s Ashes
MELBOURNE, 29 JANUARY 2025 – UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia have teamed up to make every appeal at the CommBank Women’s Ashes Test an appeal for gender equality – for girls who can’t make it to the pitch.
The partnership will help support UNICEF’s programs in countries across the world, addressing critical issues like education, child marriage, safety, and adolescent health – such as UNICEF-supported programs in Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, a UNICEF-supported sport for development program aims to ensure girls have the opportunity to participate in sports – particularly cricket – to help them build their strength, give them an opportunity to participate in the community, support their learning, and build their skills in leadership and confidence.
Also in Sri Lanka, UNICEF is supporting healthcare providers with maternal care training, making it possible for healthcare providers to counsel 280,00 pregnant mothers on essential care for themselves and their little ones.
“Donations will help support UNICEF’s work in gender equality. ‘Until every girl can play,’ is the theme, reflecting the aim of creating a world where every girl has access to education, health, nutrition, and safety, and live without gender being a barrier,” says Libby Hodgson, Deputy Director at UNICEF Australia.
How it works
Every appeal during the CommBank Women’s Ashes will also serve as an appeal for gender equality. Fans at the MCG and viewers at home will be encouraged to donate to UNICEF Australia to help empower girls and support their rights to education and safety.
The MCG will activate a call to action on the big screen and stadium signage, allowing fans to scan the QR code to donate, or by visiting www.unicef.org.au/cricket. An Appeal Cam will take place during the tea break, giving fans the chance to win a prize for the best appeals.
And around the MCG there will be Instagram frames, a photobooth and life-size player cut-outs for fans to get a happy snap.
Qantas, as a long-term mutual partner of both UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia, are supporting the campaign. As part of this, Qantas have offered 500,000 frequent flyer points to encourage donations. Any person who donates to the campaign in the lead-up, during and post-match automatically goes into the draw to win the prize.
UNICEF Australia Ambassador and Australia’s Men’s National Cricket Captain Pat Cummins says:
“I’m proud to support Cricket Australia and UNICEF Australia’s campaign to champion gender equality. The message is simple: until every girl can play. Until every girl has the same opportunities to thrive, both on and off the field.
“I encourage everyone watching to get involved. Together, we can help create a world where every girl has the chance to chase her dreams. Let’s stand together for gender equality – on the field and beyond.”
Find out more at www.unicef.org.au/cricket
About UNICEF’s work
- Gender equality is fundamental for creating fair opportunities for all children. UNICEF’s work targets early involvement to ensure that both girls and boys receive equal opportunities from the start, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.
- UNICEF’s programs address critical issues like child marriage and the unequal access to education and healthcare.
- Adolescent girls face unique challenges, including higher rates of domestic work and child marriage. UNICEF’s programs specifically target these issues, providing resources and support to empower girls to advocate for their rights and make informed choices.
- UNICEF prioritises educational initiatives that not only keep girls in school but also provide them with the skills necessary to succeed, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.
- UNICEF works across health, education, and sanitation sectors, ensuring that the voices of adolescent girls are heard and that they are at the forefront of change.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Richard Parlett, UNICEF Australia, +61 451 156 887, rparlett@unicef.org.au
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About UNICEF
UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. UNICEF Australia works with local partners to raise children’s voices, defend their rights, and help them reach their potential at all stages of life, here and in neighbouring countries. We rely entirely on voluntary donations to provide lifesaving support; improve maternal and child health, education, and nutrition; and to respond to global emergencies.
For more information about UNICEF Australia and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.au
