MPs, football groups and equality organisations call for football to address gender-based violence

MPs, football groups and equality organisations are among those who have signed up in support of an open letter to the Premier League and FA by The End Violence Against Women Coalition, Level Up and The Three Hijabis, the campaigners announced today (8th March 2022).

This groundswell of support bolsters calls for the FA and the Premier League to meaningfully tackle gender-based violence as International Women’s Day is marked across the country. Signatories are wide ranging and  include Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of Women and Equalities Select Committee, the frontman of the band Chumbawumba – famous for their football anthem Tubthumping, the Football Supporters Association and many organisations dedicated to ending inequality and supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse.   

Following multiple arrests and charging of high profile football players for domestic and sexual abuse, as well as protests from fans at the signing of a known rapist, it’s time for the FA and Premier League to show which side they’re on when it comes to violence against women and girls. 

The letter calls on the CEOs of the Premier League and the Football Association to take action against gender-based violence by committing to action across all clubs, and last week a meeting took place with the Premier League who stated:

“Level Up, The Three Hijabis and the EVAW Coalition had a constructive and open meeting with the Premier League to discuss gender-based violence and football. This meeting was the first of many, and we look forward to working together to create meaningful change.”

The male dominated football industry has for too long escaped scrutiny of the significant role it has in shaping the behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls, in both their players and their fans. Now is the time for change. 

Seyi Falodun-Liburd, Co-director of Level Up, said:

“We’re very encouraged to see that the open letter has started a dialogue with the Premier League – but this is just the beginning. This will be about shifting a culture of misogyny and impunity that is deeply ingrained within football, and society at large, so there’s a lot of work to do. Hopefully, The FA will follow the Premier League’s lead, and begin to meaningfully engage with the issue.”

The Three Hijabis said: 

“Football belongs to all of us, to the fans, without us, there is no game. Over the past weeks we’ve seen football step up and say “no to war” and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and a new wave of refugees created in Europe. We know football can transform and change society and lives – when it wants to, our 1.2 million signature anti-racism campaign shows this. We call on the FA and Premier League to work with our feminist coalition to end gender based violence and to ensure football is truly the beautiful game.”

Andrea Simon, Director of The End Violence Against Women Coalition, said:

“International Women’s Day is about celebrating the progress we have made towards gender equality but also marking how far there is to go. Men and boys are integral to creating change and football, with its huge influence and massive following cannot shy away from their responsibility. The FA and Premier League have to be part of the conversation and directing their vast resource and power to ensuring their players and fans stand united against the ugly underside of violence against women that blights the beautiful game.”

See below for full list of signatories:

1. Allan Dorans MP
2. Beyond Equality
3. Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee 
4. Caroline Lucas MP
5. Charlotte Nichols MP
6. Chayn
7. Chelsea Pride
8. Dawn Butler MP
9. Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services
10. Diana Johnson MP, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee
11. Dr Helen Mott
12. Dunstan Bruce, Frontman of Chumbawumba
13. Equality Now
14. Football Beyond Borders
15. Football Supporters Association
16. Gavin Newlands MP
17. Glitch
18. Good Night Out
19. Harriet Harman MP
20. Her Centre Ltd
21. HOPE not Hate
22. Juries Understanding Rape is Essential (JURIES)
23. Kate Osborne MP
24. Kop Outs
25. Leicester Rape Crisis
26. Miranda Hovarth, University of Suffolk
27. Network of Eritrean Women – UK
28. Professor Aisha K. Gill PhD CBE 
29. Proud Cherries (AFC Bournemouth’s official LGBT+ supporter group)
30. Proud Lilywhites
31. Rape Crisis England & Wales
32. Rape Crisis South London
33. Refuge
34. Respond
35. Sarah Champion MP
36. Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse
37. Stella Creasy MP
38. Survivors Network
39. This Fan Girl
40. Virendra Sharma MP
41. Welsh Women’s Aid
42. Wera Hobhouse MP
43. White Ribbon UK
44. Women’s Aid Federation England 
45. Women’s Equality Party
46. women@thewell
47. Zarah Sultana MP

ENDS

Media contact

Sinead Geoghegan, Communications Manager, sinead.geoghegan@evaw.org.uk, 07960 744 502