September 19th, 2024

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to boost tourism, education, and international relations

$10 million fund to drive social and economic outcomes for Aotearoa during FIFA Women’s World Cup

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will kick off on 20 July, and the opening match will be held at Eden Park (Image: FIFA)
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will kick off on 20 July, and the opening match will be held at Eden Park (Image: FIFA)

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of New Zealand (MBIE) has revealed that it has worked closely with other government organisations to develop a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 leverage and legacy programme.

The programme, which is supported by a $10 million fund, aims to drive outcomes in four key focus areas including raising the profile of women and girls in sport and wider society, thriving communities, enhancing international relationships, and economic growth, according to a media release issued today.

Kylie Hawker-Green, Manager Major Events at MBIE, states that events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup provide significant benefits and a lasting legacy to New Zealand. They put the spotlight on the country and bring tens of thousands of international visitors, providing a unique opportunity to leverage the event and create ongoing benefits for the communities.

One example of the work being done through the programme is the collaboration between GirlBoss NZ and the Ministry of Education. The initiative, called GirlBoss Make Your Move, is designed to support young wāhine to further develop their confidence. The programme includes a 10-day interactive online school holiday programme for around 1,000 young wāhine aged 15-18 and seven in-person activations across the country reaching more than 10,000 young wāhine. The online delivery method of the school holiday programme means girls in regional and rural Aotearoa New Zealand can take part.

“This is an excellent example of how we can leverage major events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup to empower future generations of Aotearoa New Zealand and leave a lasting legacy for our country and our communities,” Kylie was quoted as saying in the media release.

Over the coming months, the MBIE plans to announce a number of other projects that will drive benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand in education, sport, tourism, international relations, communities, business, health culture and conservation.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will kick off on 20 July, and the opening match will be held at Eden Park. The MBIE is the lead government agency for the event, working closely with other government organisations to ensure the social and economic benefits of co-hosting one of the world’s largest women’s sporting events are secured.