Within the framework of the second version of the Festival Allegoría a la Memoria Futbolera: Struggles of Women, the District Secretariat for Security, Coexistence and Justice held a conversation this Friday with prominent guests, to analyze public policies, leadership, stories and on their struggles. they had in the context of football organizations and clubs.
In the hall of the Center for Remembrance, Peace and Reconciliation, the session ‘Reflections on the struggle of women soccer players’ was held, in which the representatives of this movement, leaders and academics, showed the fundamental role of women and in which it was shown the fundamental role of by the women. this sport.
Conversation 1: Introspective looks
In the first space, there was an exchange and reflection on the experiences and challenges women face within an area historically dominated by men, such as the world of soccer bars. “We’ve always been there and we don’t need permission to be there.”
The challenges faced by women in soccer organizations and clubs are closely related to power structures, cultural dynamics and gender barriers in society in general.
This space included the participation of Tatiana Ramírez, member of La Guardia Albi Roja Sur – Santa Fe; Jessica Salinas, member of the Blue Rain – Millonarios batucada; Alejandra López from Los Del Sur – Atlético Nacional; Myriam Ordóñez, founder of the organization Futbola; Andrea Parrade Nacion Verdolaga – Atlético Nacional; and directed by Diana Martínez, member of the Government Secretariat’s ‘Targets in Peace’ strategy.
Conversation 2: Women’s soccer
In this second space, the historical and contemporary struggles of female footballers were shown and made visible, promoting a space to exchange experiences and suggestions for progress towards true equality of opportunity. The importance of sports spaces as meeting points and social building was also recognized.
Alejandra Rodríguez, a member of the Popular Women’s Soccer League of Bogotá, participated; Lina Gómez, female professional player of Millonarios FC and directed by Jorge Bautista from the Center for Memory, Peace and Reconciliation.
Conversation 3: Multidimensional scenarios
In the last conversation, there was an exchange of information between the women on the panel in the context of soccer organizations and clubs, about how they promoted significant changes, promoting inclusive, respectful and fair situations; which represents a process of transformation within the advocate dynamic.
The panelists offered an overview of the responsibility of institutions and the academic world regarding the struggle of women in all cases where public policy is crucial to increase that demand.
In this space, the Undersecretary of Governance and Rights Guarantee of the Government Secretariat, María Ximena Morales, participated; official of the Social Observatory of Brazilian Football, Raque de Oliveira Sousa; National Women’s Soccer Association president, Elizabeth Oviedo; and the director of Social Barriers of the Ministry of Equality and Equity, Maritza Ruiz Posasa.
It is worth remembering that the ‘Allegory of Football Memory’ Festival is part of the Vigía strategy for Football Organizations and Bars of the Ministry of Security, which makes a process with the football patches that exist in Bogotá, to achieve a healthy coexistence inside of the stadium and in every corner of the city.
You can read: Women and their struggles in football are featured in the second edition of the ‘Festival Allegoría a la Memoria Futbolera’
How has the perception of women’s roles in soccer changed over the last few years?
Title: A Conversation on Women’s Empowerment in Soccer: Reflections from the Festival Allegoría a la Memoria Futbolera
Setting: The Time.news Studio, brightly lit with modern decor, featuring images of soccer champions and community leaders. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation.
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! I’m thrilled to welcome you to our segment on women’s empowerment and leadership in soccer. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with an insightful expert, Dr. Ana Martínez, who has been actively involved in advocating for gender equality in sports. Ana, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Ana Martínez: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the vital role women play in soccer.
Editor: This past Friday, the Festival Allegoría a la Memoria Futbolera brought together many influential voices to discuss women’s struggles in the soccer arena. What stood out to you from the event?
Dr. Martínez: The event was incredibly impactful. Hearing the personal stories of female leaders and players brought a new dimension to the conversation about gender equality in soccer. Many participants shared their journeys of overcoming cultural and societal barriers, which really resonated with the audience.
Editor: You mentioned cultural barriers—can you elaborate on what that entails for women in soccer?
Dr. Martínez: Absolutely. Historically, soccer has been a male-dominated space. Women have often faced skepticism and hostility in areas like soccer bars, which are notorious for being male-centric. As one participant eloquently put it, “We’ve always been there, and we don’t need permission.” This sentiment captures the resilience of women who are reclaiming their space in this sport.
Editor: I love that quote! It shows such strength. In the first session, there was a focus on the challenges women face in clubs and organizations. What specific challenges were highlighted?
Dr. Martínez: The conversations pointed to several challenges, including the entrenched power structures and cultural dynamics within soccer organizations. Participants like Tatiana Ramírez and Myriam Ordóñez discussed how these dynamics create barriers to leadership roles for women, making it difficult to implement changes that promote equality.
Editor: Moving on to the second conversation, which emphasized the historical struggles of female footballers. What progress have you observed in the last few years?
Dr. Martínez: Progress has certainly been made, but there’s still a long way to go. More professional leagues are being established, and female players are starting to gain recognition and support. However, the conversation about equal opportunities in sports needs to continue, as there’s still significant disparity in treatment, pay, and resources compared to male counterparts.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of sports as social building spaces. How vital is this for community development?
Dr. Martínez: Sports have an incredible power to unite people and foster community. For women, sports not only provide a platform for physical expression but also facilitate conversations about broader social issues such as gender equality and empowerment. Events like the Festival Allegoría encourage collective storytelling, which can inspire action and change at local and national levels.
Editor: The event also featured brainstorming sessions for further advancement. What suggestions do you think would be most impactful for achieving equality in soccer?
Dr. Martínez: Engaging with policymakers to improve funding for women’s sports programs is essential. Additionally, providing mentorship programs and leadership training for young women in sports can create a pipeline of female leaders who can advocate for change within organizations.
Editor: Those sound like crucial steps! As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave our audience regarding the future of women in soccer?
Dr. Martínez: I would encourage everyone to recognize the importance of supporting female athletes, not just as players but as leaders. Their stories deserve to be amplified, and when we champion their efforts, we move closer to a more equitable sporting world.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ana Martínez, for sharing your insights today. Your passion for advancing women’s roles in soccer is truly inspiring!
Dr. Martínez: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Together, let’s continue to advocate for equality in sports and beyond!