Save the Dream signs new partnership to empower young women through sport

In what is a symbolic and significant announcement to mark International Women’s Day, Save the Dream and the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women (IAPESGW) have announced a partnership to help empower young women and girls around the world through the power of sport.Adding to its recent global projects in numerous countries including India, Brazil, Italy, Haiti, Latin American countries and the Mediterranean Basin, Save the Dream will work alongside the IAPESGW to help create a stronger and more powerful voice for girls and women through sport, as well as promoting an environment where girls and young women can practice sport free from violence, corruption and discrimination.IAPESGW, which has represented the interests of girls and women at all levels and in all areas of physical education, dance and sport since 1949 and has members in over 40 countries around the world, will also work with Save the Dream on a number of regional and international initiatives and activities aimed at driving forward gender equality in youth sport.The new partnership with another internationally-recognised association builds on existing programmes being delivered by Save the Dream to empower young women and girls through sport, which includes the ‘Delhi Dreams’ initiative – a special community project with Aston Villa Football Club which has improved the lives of many young girls living in deprived areas of New Delhi through football.IAPESGW president Dr. Rosa López de D’Amico said: “On International Women’s Day IAPESGW is excited to announce this new partnership with Save the Dream.  We know that it will take many organisations working together to ensure that all girls and women are able to participate in physical education and sport free of violence and discrimination.  We know that sport is a great vehicle to build confidence and self-esteem in girls and women when delivered in a safe environment.  We are very happy to have Save the Dream adding their voice to address the challenges facing girls and women in sport.”Save the Dream executive director Massimiliano Montanari said: “Sport can be transformational for young people but unfortunately all too often the rights of girls and young women to practice sport in a safe environment that is free from discrimination are being disregarded or ignored.“All children and young people deserve the opportunity to access sport safely and without fear of being discriminated as a result of their gender or any other factor. This is why we are delighted to join in a significant and symbolic partnership with the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women to coincide with International Women’s Day, an important day for many women and young girls around the world.“By working with the IAPESGW, Save the Dream hopes to raise greater awareness of the challenges facing girls and young women in sport worldwide, as well as building on recent projects like ‘Delhi Dreams’ that provide young people with new opportunities and opens up new avenues for them to take part and feel empowered through sport.”