Today, Monday 8 March, Cityzens Giving Young Leaders around the world marked International Women’s Day though a series of initiatives to celebrate the power of football to uplift and empower women and girls in local communities.

Activities kicked off with two forums on Cisco Webex, connecting inspiring female young leaders from over 20 cities to discuss women in football, bias, inequality, and positive role models.

Annabel Finch, Community Outreach Lead Coach, City in the Community said: “This morning we hosted a workshop for Young Leaders to discuss International Women’s Day and what this means to them.

“It was inspiring to hear the heart-warming stories, thoughts and opinions that encouraged these Young Leaders to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions they have faced.

“What an amazing group of women that are truly inspirational role models to young females and also males in their communities. Everyone left the workshop empowered and ready to Choose to Challenge.”

Cisco technology is powering the connectivity and collaboration between young leaders across the world throughout this season, enabling them to share community football know-how and innovation, and helping them to accelerate their impact for children and young people all around the globe.

In their communities, Young Leaders are driving a number of activities this week, using football to empower young girls.

In Manchester, Young Leaders worked with City in the Community to create a Global Paper Chain, in celebration of International Women’s Day. CITC participants and staff were invited to create a paper cut-out of a woman and decorate it with colours and words which are empowering to women.

Around the world, activities include female football festivals, Q&As with local female role models, and football-based education sessions on the importance and history of International Women’s Day.

Young Leaders are also supporting Same Goals, City’s annual global event aimed at increasing female participation in football with a social movement that encourages girls to score goals.

Stay tuned to find out how they got on!