As the Gender Equality Month comes to an end, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has highlighted the impact of Champions 2.4, a program that has benefited over 400 young female footballers in Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. This initiative, which began in 2023 as a local project in Paraguay, has expanded thanks to the joint efforts of the IOC, Fundación SES, and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). Its goal is not only to increase female participation in football but also to provide participants with leadership tools, gender equality awareness, and job preparation skills.
The program takes place in football clubs and rural communities, where young girls receive training in three key areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights, digital literacy with a focus on artificial intelligence and technology applied to employment, and vocational guidance to enhance their career opportunities. Additionally, the initiative encourages active participation in community activities and leadership both on and off the field.
EXPANSION AND TRANSFORMATION THROUGH SPORT
Since its launch, Champions 2.4 has proven to be a space for growth for young female footballers, strengthening their confidence and equipping them with tools to overcome inequalities. Testimonies like that of Bianca Aime from Argentina reflect the program’s impact: “Now I have more confidence in myself and my potential.” In Paraguay, the project has reached indigenous communities through Club Kuña Guaraní, with the support of Olympic Solidarity and the Por Ellas Association, promoting equity in sports.
Beyond working with players, the initiative also includes training for 120 coaches in inclusive sports practices and workshops on digital skills and entrepreneurship. With the support of local governments and organizations such as the El Chirimbote Cooperative and ACHNU, the program continues to expand and will be featured at the Olympism365 Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland. Champions 2.4 is a prime example of how sport can be a tool for social transformation, fostering inclusion and equal opportunities for future generations.
