SIGA
Khalida Popal to share her inspirational journey at the SIGAWomen Leadership Forum
Popal was the first captain of the Afghan women’s football team and has used her platform to break down barriers and challenge societal norms.
The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) is proud to announce Khalida Popal, a trailblazing advocate for women’s rights and former captain of the Afghanistan women’s national football team, as the first distinguished confirmed keynote speaker at the upcoming SIGA Women Leadership Forum. The event will take place at the iconic Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, in partnership with hosting partner FC Porto, on September 11th.
Khalida Popal is renowned and deeply respected for her courageous mission in advancing the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, particularly through the power of football. As the first captain of the Afghan women’s football team, Khalida has used her platform to break down barriers, challenge societal norms and advocate for gender equity, both on and off the field. Since fleeing from Afghanistan, she has relentlessly continued her activism in exile, focusing on protecting refugee female athletes and promoting inclusion and diversity in Sport worldwide.
For her remarkable work, unwavering courage, and profound impact on the lives of countless women and girls in and through Sport, Khalida Popal will receive the SIGA Special Recognition Award. Additionally, SIGA and the Girl Power Organization will sign a cooperation agreement, the terms of which will be disclosed in due course.
The SIGAWomen Leadership Forum will bring together some of the most influential and charismatic female leaders from across the world of Sport and the wider cluster, including leading representatives from sports organizations, sponsors, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. The thought leadership event will address critical topics, such as women’s representation in executive organs of national and international sports federations, the rising popularity of women’s sports and its corresponding impact on sports governance and gender equity, and the promotion and commercialization of women’s sports.
During the Forum, SIGA will also publicly launch The SIGAWomen Manifesto, outlining its vision and commitment to advancing good governance and gender equity in Sport, ensuring it always reflects the values of inclusivity, fairness, and integrity.
Popal to speak in Porto
Khalida Popal, founder of Girl Power Organisation, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the SIGA Women Leadership Forum:
“I am truly honored to be a keynote speaker at the upcoming SIGA Women Leadership Conference. This event provides a meaningful platform to share my journey leading the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team and advocating for women’s rights through sports.
I will discuss the challenges we faced in Afghanistan and the resilience of our players, who continued to fight for their rights despite immense adversity. I’ll also highlight the crucial role global solidarity has played in supporting our mission and the importance of using sports as a tool for empowerment.
I look forward to connecting with fellow leaders and advocates as we work together toward a more just and equal world for women”.
As part of SIGAs on-going commitment to delivering Integrity solutions that are inclusive and accessible to all, attendance at this event is free of charge. However, places are limited and previous registration is required.
Additionally, donations are encouraged. Profits will be reinvested into the #SIGAWomen Programme.