U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team joins the “SANAP WANTAIM” Campaign to support a Safe Port Moresby for women and girls

[Press Release]

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – Heading into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the three-time champion U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team, announced that they will add their voices to thousands of Papua New Guinean youth who, with the support of UN Women and NCDC, are striving to create a new normal in Port Moresby: one where women and girls are safe on the streets, in the buses, and in their schools, places of work and homes.

Photo: UN Women

Governor of Port Moresby, the Honorable Powes Parkop stated: "violence against women and girls is a universal issue and as Governor of the capital city, I would like to address this issue once and for all.  We are creating a new future in Port Moresby where women and girls enjoy equal rights and freedoms in a city that is safe for everyone.”

U.S. Team Captain, Mallory Pugh stated: “On the field, we are all tremendous competitors, but for sure we stand side-by-side with PNG and other U-20 Women’s National Teams in supporting the right for all women and girls to be safe whether they live in United States, in Papua New Guinea or in any other culture and country around the world.”

“The US U-20 Women’s team is inspiring young women and girls to live their dreams, not just in the United States and Papua New Guinea, but indeed everywhere. We need more courageous young women like the members of this team to champion the rights of women and girls” said Dr. Jeffery Buchanan, UN Women PNG Country Director.

The US U20 Women’s National Team plays its first game of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on November 14th against France.