UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia Unite for Gender Equality at the Women’s Ashes

Cricket Australia and UNICEF Australia are joining forces to ensure that every appeal made at the CommBank Women’s Ashes Test is also an appeal for gender equality—advocating for girls around the world who don’t yet have the opportunity to step onto the pitch.

UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia Unite for Gender Equality at the Women’s Ashes
UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia Unite for Gender Equality at the Women’s Ashes

This powerful partnership will directly support UNICEF’s programs across multiple countries, tackling key issues such as education, child marriage, adolescent health, and safety. These initiatives are already making a difference in South Asia and beyond, empowering girls to build a brighter future.

For instance, in Pakistan, over 800,000 adolescent girls received weekly iron folic acid supplements in 2023, improving their health and well-being. Additionally, 8,489 out-of-school adolescent girls were provided access to accelerated learning, vocational skills training, and labor market connections to improve their education and employment prospects.

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, a UNICEF-backed sport-for-development program is ensuring that girls have the chance to play sports—especially cricket—helping them gain strength, confidence, leadership skills, and deeper engagement in their communities.

“Donations will help support UNICEF’s work in gender equality. ‘Until every girl can play,’ is the theme, reflecting the aim of creating a world where every girl has access to education, health, nutrition, and safety, and live without gender being a barrier,”
Libby Hodgson, Deputy Director at UNICEF Australia

During the CommBank Women’s Ashes, every appeal on the field will double as a call for gender equality. Fans at the MCG and those watching from home will be encouraged to donate to UNICEF Australia, helping to empower girls and protect their rights to education and safety.

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Key elements of the initiative include:

  • Live Calls to Action: The MCG’s big screen and stadium signage will feature donation prompts, with a QR code allowing fans to donate instantly.
  • “Appeal Cam”: During the tea break, an interactive segment will encourage fans to showcase their best appeals, with a prize awarded for the most spirited effort.
  • Engagement Zones: Around the MCG, fans can snap photos with Instagram frames, a photobooth, and life-sized player cut-outs to celebrate their support for the cause.

Qantas Backs the Campaign

Long-time UNICEF Australia and Cricket Australia partner Qantas is stepping up in support, offering 500,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points as an incentive for donations. Anyone who contributes during the lead-up, match day, or post-event will be entered into a draw to win this exciting prize.

Pat Cummins Urges Fans to Get Involved

**”I’m proud to support Cricket Australia and UNICEF Australia’s campaign to champion gender equality. The message is simple: until every girl can play. Until every girl has the same opportunities to thrive, both on and off the field.

I encourage everyone watching to get involved. Together, we can help create a world where every girl has the chance to chase her dreams. Let’s stand together for gender equality—on the field and beyond.”**
Pat Cummins, UNICEF Australia Ambassador & Australian Men’s Cricket Captain

Learn More & Get Involved

Visit www.unicef.org.au/cricket to learn more and support the cause.

About UNICEF’s Work on Gender Equality

Gender equality is fundamental to ensuring fair opportunities for all children. UNICEF’s programs focus on early intervention, ensuring that both girls and boys receive equal opportunities from the start, helping to break the cycle of poverty and discrimination.

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Key areas of focus include:

  • Education & Skills: Keeping girls in school and equipping them with the tools they need for success.
  • Child Marriage Prevention: Addressing the challenges adolescent girls face, including forced marriage and domestic labor.
  • Health & Safety: Providing critical healthcare, nutrition, and safety measures to protect and empower young girls.
  • Advocacy & Change: Ensuring that adolescent girls’ voices are heard and that they play an active role in shaping their future.

About UNICEF Australia

Operating in over 190 countries, UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest regions to support vulnerable children. UNICEF Australia partners with local organizations to defend children’s rights, amplify their voices, and help them reach their full potential—both at home and in neighboring countries.

As a 100% donor-funded organization, UNICEF Australia relies on contributions to provide life-saving support, improve maternal and child health, education, and nutrition, and respond to emergencies.

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