Cricket Australia and UNICEF Australia are collaborating to ensure that each appeal made during the CommBank Women’s Ashes Test serves as a call for gender equality, advocating for girls globally who have yet to experience the joy of playing on the pitch.
This impactful collaboration will provide direct support to UNICEF’s programs across various nations, addressing crucial issues such as education, child marriage, adolescent health, and safety. These efforts are already fostering change in South Asia and beyond, empowering girls to envision a brighter future.
For example, in Pakistan, more than 800,000 adolescent girls received weekly iron folic acid supplements in 2023, enhancing their health and wellness. Furthermore, 8,489 out-of-school adolescent girls gained access to accelerated learning, vocational training, and pathways to the labor market to elevate their education and job prospects.
In Sri Lanka, a UNICEF-supported sport-for-development initiative ensures that girls can participate in sports—especially cricket—allowing them to build strength, confidence, leadership abilities, and a greater connection with their communities.
“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, without gender being a barrier,”
– Libby Hodgson, Deputy Director at UNICEF Australia
Throughout the CommBank Women’s Ashes, each appeal made on the field will simultaneously serve as a call for gender equality. Supporters at the MCG and viewers at home will be encouraged to contribute to UNICEF Australia, aiding in the empowerment of girls and the safeguarding of their rights to education and safety.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Live Calls to Action: The MCG’s large screen and stadium signage will showcase donation prompts, complete with a QR code that allows fans to donate instantly.
- “Appeal Cam”: During the tea break, an interactive segment will invite fans to demonstrate their best appeals, with a prize awarded for the most enthusiastic effort.
- Engagement Zones: Throughout the MCG, supporters can take photos with Instagram frames, a photo booth, and life-sized player cut-outs to celebrate their commitment to the cause.
Qantas Supports the Campaign
In its role as a long-standing partner to both UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia, Qantas is contributing with 500,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points as an incentive for donations. Those who contribute during the lead-up to, on match day, or after the event will be entered into a drawing for this exciting prize.
Pat Cummins Encourages Fans to Participate
**”I’m proud to support Cricket Australia and UNICEF Australia’s campaign to champion gender equality. The message is clear: until every girl can play. Until every girl has the same opportunities to thrive, both on and off the field.
I urge everyone viewing to get involved. Together, we can contribute to creating a world where every girl can pursue her dreams. Let’s unite for gender equality—on the field and beyond.”**
– Pat Cummins, UNICEF Australia Ambassador & Australian Men’s Cricket Captain
About UNICEF’s Gender Equality Initiatives
Promoting gender equality is essential in providing fair opportunities for all children. UNICEF’s programs emphasize early intervention to ensure that both girls and boys are offered equal opportunities from the outset, helping to disrupt cycles of poverty and discrimination.
Key focus areas include:
- Education & Skills: Keeping girls in school and providing them with the tools necessary for success.
- Prevention of Child Marriage: Tackling the challenges that adolescent girls encounter, such as forced marriage and domestic labor.
- Health & Safety: Delivering essential healthcare, nutrition, and safety measures to safeguard and empower young girls.
- Advocacy & Change: Ensuring that the voices of adolescent girls are heard and that they actively participate in shaping their futures.
