The Brazilian team Cruzeiro will wear specially commissioned squad numbers with messages to highlight daily challenges faced by women in the South American country for their Brazilian Cup match against Murici-AL on 8 March to mark International Women’s Day.
The shirts, which will feature a different message for each number such as “a rape every 11 minutes” or “salaries 30% lower”, has been organised in conjunction with the NGO AzMina, which fights for female empowerment in Brazil. Announcing the initiative on their website on Wednesday, the Belo Horizonte-based club’s president Gilvan de Pinho Tavares said it was the latest effort to highlight some of the injustices in Brazilian society having previously supported similar campaigns.
“In the 21st century, it is not tolerable to see women suffer acts of violence and discrimination,” said Tavares.
“With this action, we join all who combat inequalities against people of the feminine sex. This is one of the social roles that big fan clubs must always be developing.
“International Women’s Day is not just a moment to bring to the surface all the characteristics of inequality that still exist in Brazil and the world, but it is also a moment of awareness of other aspects related to women. It’s important to have a moment of this, where you can bring up such important and women-related issues.”
Cruzeiro is one of Brazil’s most successful clubs having produced a long line of international players including former striker Ronaldo. They are currently coached by former Brazil manager Mano Menezes.
