The United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women announced today a partnership with Valencia Club de F\u00fatbol, the first time ever that UN Women will collaborate with a professional sports team.<\/p>\n
\u201cUN Women is dedicated to bringing more men and boys into the gender equality conversation,\u201d said Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, launching the partnership.<\/p>\n
\u201cValencia\u2019s players are strong role models who will lead by example and inspire their vast fan base. We are excited to have Valencia show its support during every match played, with the cause prominently displayed to fans and viewers around the world,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Under the partnership, the UN Women logo will be emblazoned on the back of the team\u2019s players\u2019 jerseys when they play in European competitions such as the Champions League, one of the most renowned tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club competition in European football.<\/p>\n
In addition, special matches and soccer clinics will take place over the next four years throughout Spain, the Americas and other parts of the world.<\/p>\n
Valencia CF is the only club in the top Spanish league, Liga BBVA with a female Chair, Lay Hoon Chan, who is also the first woman ever to hold that position in Valencia CF\u2019s 96-year history.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are honoured to work alongside UN Women and the global community to support and bring awareness to such a remarkable cause,\u201d said Ms. Chan. \u201cThis is a long-term commitment to really help make a difference to expand advocacy efforts towards gender equality. It\u2019s not only a women\u2019s issue, it\u2019s a human rights issue that Valencia CF strongly believes in.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n