Logistics with Purpose Classic: The Amazing Power of Football - Honey Thaljieh with FIFA and Homeless World Cup

Speaker A: Uh, as someone who's been a soccer or football fan my entire life, I've always believed the sport is much more than what happens on the field. Soccer has a unique way of bringing people together across cultures, countries and backgrounds. As the World cup brings the world together once again. We wanted to revisit this very engaging conversation with Honey Talje, public relations manager at FIFA, international activist, and, um, the first captain of the Palestinian women's national football team. Her story is a powerful reminder of how soccer can create opportunity, break barriers, and inspire change far beyond the game. I hope you enjoyed this conversation.

Speaker B: M welcome to Logistics with Purpose, presented by Vector Global Logistics in partnership with Supply Chain. Now we spotlight and celebrate organizations who are dedicated to creating a positive impact. Join us for this behind the scenes glimpse of the origin stories, change making progress and future plans of organizations who are actively making a difference. Our goal isn't just to entertain you, but to inspire you to go out

Speaker A: and change the world.

Speaker B: And now, here's today's episode of Logistics with Purpose.

Speaker A: Welcome, welcome, welcome to another amazing episode of Logistics with Purpose. I'm your host, Enrique Alvarez, and today I am delighted to have the host that we have also delighted, not only because she has to do and deals with football or soccer the way it's known here in the US but also because I'm co hosting with Nuria.

Speaker C: Nuria, how are you doing great, Enrique. Thank you. Thank you so much. It's such a privilege to be here today, especially for this conversation with Honey and looking forward to it.

Speaker A: Definitely looking forward to it. You're in Spain this week, aren't you?

Speaker C: Yes, I am. I am in Spain at the moment.

Speaker A: Well, thanks again for doing this, Nuria. Uh, Christy is on her last day of vacation and she'll probably be back for the next episode. But thank you so much. And without further ado, let me introduce you to Honey Talji, FIFA's public relations manager, international activist, and powerful voice for equality, diversity, human rights and sport. As the first woman to captain the Palestinian national football team and co founder of women's football in Palestine, Honey is a passionate advocate for peace, inclusion and gender equity on and off the field. Honey, how are you doing today?

Speaker D: Nice to meet you all. It's my pleasure to be part of the podcast and yeah, hopefully we'll have a good conversation.

Speaker A: That's amazing. And you're in Switzerland, I believe, right?

Speaker D: I am in Zurich right now. Correct.

Speaker A: Well, thank you very much, both of you for joining me from Europe. And let's just get right to it, Bonnie. We'll start with a very quick, uh, short section that we call the rapid questioning. So to get us started, get to know you a little bit better. Just answer with whatever comes first to your mind. Are you ready?

Speaker D: Yes. Your favorite book, I would say the Long Walk to Freedom for Nelson Mandela.

Speaker C: Awesome.

Speaker A: Uh, a quote that inspires you also

Speaker D: from him when he said sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. And that's also something I follow since I was a little girl.

Speaker A: Thank you. One thing that you're grateful for, family

Speaker D: and the values that they raised me

Speaker A: up with a football, soccer related one

Speaker D: dream stadium to play in, I would say in Palestine. That would be a dream with no walls, no restriction, no borders, and just a peaceful stadium for football.

Speaker A: Do you have a favorite club? Do you cheer for a particular team?

Speaker D: I like Bilbao Football Club.

Speaker A: Bilbao. Nice.

Speaker D: Athletic Bilbao. And um, I'm also one of their ambassadors. I connect with the values that they have and the concept that they stand for that, you know, they only have players from the region, from the city, they don't buy players. They encourage internal talent and potentials internally and you know, the Basque concept as well, and the fight for freedom, justice and all of that. So I connect with clubs that has the same values that I stand up for. So, yeah, of course I like many other clubs around the world, but.

Speaker A: And it's a good team too. They. They have, yeah.

Speaker D: And they maintain to be in the, the Liga on high level, regardless of not buying those big players from all around the world and just with their own players. So. Yeah.

Speaker A: Well, thank you very much for all your answers and getting to know you a little bit better.

Speaker C: Yeah, thank you. Thank you, honey, for all of those answers. Those are very inspiring answers, honestly. Let's go back a bit. Can you paint us a picture of where you grew up and what was life for you as a kid?

Speaker D: Thank you, Nuria. Actually, you know, I grew up in the narrow streets of Bethlehem where it said that Jesus was born. In the very really narrow streets where cars are not allowed in. You walk by and you see a church here, a holy place there. It is really special and feels special. Until today. It's special. But, you know, like growing up in such a context where unfortunately there was always challenges politically as well, like growing up in a war zone. It made it almost impossible to live in such a place. Although it's a place of faith and the place of must be or should have been the place of peace, uh, spreading peace from there as its holiness, you know, because it's, uh, holy place. But unfortunately it was about war, about destruction, about death. And so many challenges since I grew up. But of course I never wanted to allow these situations to just define and determine my upbringing. Therefore, I grew up playing football. And I saw it in the streets of Bethlehem. I saw it in the narrow areas. I saw the always the boys playing football. And I couldn't resist, actually, because that was the only tool, uh, that I felt on a young age that I could express myself and feel free beyond all the restrictions, all the barriers, all the political pressure, the social, the cultural, you can name it. And I just felt like I just wanted to forget everything and just, you know, get engaged with football despite the fact that we didn't have a proper ball at that time, and despite the fact that we had nothing. We were just playing on, um, concrete at asphalt streets. But it gave me everything that I was looking for, the happiness that I built up on, um, to continue my life and to start think of dreaming where dreaming was almost even impossible because there's no chance to dream in such a context. You just live every day for a day, you know, that tomorrow might never come. So I would say that's the childhood that I grew up in. Knowing that I wish that I grew up somewhere else. For example, like. And ah, sometimes if you reflect back and you say why I had to go through all of this, why a child cannot just grow in a, um, safe place with equality, justice and freedom, why we have to go through all of that. And you know, you start asking all these questions, seeing also people or children, how they live somewhere else and that, where all things grow in me, that I want to change something, you know. But yeah, that's a little bit of where I grew up. And of course I can add to this. I grew up in a very lovely home, regardless of the modesty of it. Two brothers, two sisters with amazing parents. All what they wanted is give us access to education. And then from education, my parents made it clear that you can buy everything else, but we can afford you education. And then you can go to the world and, uh, do everything with your certificates or education and the values you put in. I grew up with this concept that with very little but with rich, uh, values to continue on.

Speaker A: Well, it sounds like your parents were amazing, you had a good family, good support system, and of course you've created an amazing career for yourself with the help of all these people. That kind of, of course it's important did your brothers play soccer too and that's why you joined them? How did you kind of fell in love with the sport and then do you have like one story that you can share with us and our audience of those early years that you knew that you had to do something about the conditions that you were living and you actually wanted it to do it through football or soccer?

Speaker D: Well, uh, you know what attracted me is like the game. It was in the streets with the boys. My liked football, but they were not very keen like as much as I was keen for some reason. So first we used to watch it on our black and white tv tone the World Cups, the FIFA World Cups. And then when I saw the kids playing in the streets, I had this desire and feeling to join them no matter what. I knew it's going to come with a lot of consequences because the culture and the social expectations of how a girl should behave, where a girl should be. And you know, like it was at that time, girls just go to school and come back home. They help in the family and they cook together and stuff. So it was very limited for what a girl should do and what not to do. And also my uh, my brothers, they were also in the street, but not necessarily just to play football, but they were in the streets also engaging with other activities. Boys, it was not like today you have uh, all the screens and you have uh. And also we didn't have other instruments actually. It's just go to the streets and play with, with everyone, entertain yourself. There was no toys, there were no computers. There were thing so. And then I found it my way actually. I felt so happy and I felt so belonging. Although at the beginning the boys didn't accept me, right. They were thinking it's weird that the girls is joining us. But then I was also impressed by my talent in football. I found that I have a talent like I was dribbling around, kicking around, scoring. There were. The boys opened their eyes.

Speaker A: They wanted you on their teams for sure.

Speaker D: They were like, yes, now you can join us.

Speaker A: Yes.

Speaker D: So they started fighting which team I should join. And that started to be more fun and more interesting for me and more exciting. So every time I come back from school, I just put my backpack at home and then I go to the streets and of course the society and the neighbors. My father didn't like it. And that's where the struggle began. They were against it. They were like, girls are not in the streets, uh, not football because also it's a boys sport. It is was known and girls should not be engaging with the tough sports and, you know, not feminine. You know, all of these things, what the society puts on you. But not just in Palestine. Um, it's the story of so many girls all around the world. You know, when football kicked off, it's not for girls. Girls should not allow, of course, but not. It's only in football, in many other aspects in life, there is always a limitation on what girls can do and what women can do and what cannot do. It's because the systems are built like that to ensure that. That they are told what to do. And for some reason, I refused that system. I refused what the society should tell me. I refused even what my dad should tell me. And. And I didn't give up on that. Although it was, like, strict and it was firm and it was annoying and all of that. But I refused to take an oath or an answer at that time. I don't know from where I had this rebel, from where I had this strength. Uh, but I just wanted to challenge everything around me and just play football.

Speaker A: That's something that fueled you and probably has fueled your entire career. And I think thanks to that struggle and that inequality that you saw back then, you kind of became the person and the advocate for the sport and for equality around the world that you

Speaker C: are now, as you mentioned, despite the circumstances and the situation, the political situation in Palestine and where you grew up. But I feel that even nowadays, it is a privilege to be able to play in the streets when you are a child. And I guess that opportunity was, well, considering the geopolitical issues in your country, it was the way for you to connect with that inner freedom. Right? And I. I feel you. And I wanted to also ask you, but, well, going farther, when you, well, leading and helping create the Palestinian women's national football team, well, that's groundbreaking. So how did that. That experience shaped the way you lead today?

Speaker D: You know, I believe it all started with a dream, you know, like. And that's also something that sometimes we forget to. Despite of all our context and our adversaries, we forget to dare to dream, you know, because everything around you can tell you there's no chance to dream what is impossible. But I dare to dream. And I one day wanted to see myself excelling through this beautiful game that unites all of us. So it started to become to me, this football game about freedom, about identity, about equality, about bringing people together, about hope and opportunities in the midst of all the destruction and the death, I wanted to find a reason to celebrate life. I wanted to Find a reason to embrace hope. And I wanted to find a reason to create opportunities in a context where it was almost impossible to create any of those. And then I had a dream that one day I want to work and excel in football and one day maybe work at FIFA actually. But everyone around me laughed, right? Everyone thought I'm crazy. Everyone thought that, uh, let her, when she becomes 15, 16, she will think about the husband and marry and uh, finish, you know, hasta la vista. But little did they know when I became 15 and 16, they're where I started to realize it's not just about the game. It's about everything that holds. It's about the billions of people around the world that love football. It's about what it stands for. It's about how I use football as a vehicle to change my context, to gain identity and to fight for freedom and woman empowerment and justice and all. And I believe that it started to become my weapon, my tool, my instrument to fight against all this prejudice regardless political, social, cultural, whatever. It was my instrument to rebel, like to stand up and have a voice and fight for others and fight for inclusion, fight to be seen, fight to be heard and all of that. And there where I started to think that we need a women's national football team. And it all came after the second intifada. We went through a lot of difficulties in the second intifada. You know, uh, the attacks and the killing and so horrible situation, which is unfortunately that it's still going until today in a much worse, worse way there where our life stopped completely as well. And we thought that it's impossible. All the things that they have thought of, it's not going to happen. But then there, when I joined Bethlehem University, I saw the advertisement of in the wall somewhere next to the cafeteria for girls who are interested to play football. Just come to the um, sports department. Then I went running. That's where I felt, this is the glimpse of hope that I was looking for. After all, what happened in 2002, 2003 with the second and the father there, uh, because I was so aware of what's going on. I was uh, 16, 17 and there where I wanted to find this glimpse of hope that I missed or I lost for a while because of the incidents and the situation. And I went running to the sports department. Then I met the sports teacher there and she said, she laughed at me. She said this was long time ago and the ink has disappeared. You don't see it. Then I said let's start from now. But she said What? We don't have anything. We don't have nothing. Uh, we have no girls, we have no team. I said, we can start today. And then she said, okay, you know what, let me get our coat for men to see what you talk about. Then the coach, uh, came, and he is a tall guy with a long beard. And when I looked at him, I was like, maybe he will never accept a girl playing football. But then he said, okay, here you have the ball. And he gave me the ball. And then I was kicking and dribbling and shooting, and then I shot the ball and it went to the siege and it broke. It pumped and exploded, actually. And then he said, okay, from today we can start a women's football team.

Speaker A: Well, he immediately became a supporter then, which is critical to the whole story. If you didn't have that initial support, things would have been a lot different.

Speaker D: No, no, sure, sure. I'm so grateful because he became supporter and the sports, uh, director at the university, she came supporter too. And the Bethlehem University hosted us. So we had a safe place, I would say, because it started in Bethlehem University. Bethlehem University is a university that it is well respected and with great reputation and secure and all of that. So we had the space to start thinking about now inviting other girls to come to football. And that was another challenge too.

Speaker A: That must have been interesting, right? I mean, finding out that you were not the only girl playing the sport. How did that happen? How did you started looking for other girls, other women that actually played the sport? That must have been somewhat challenging given everything that you explained before.

Speaker D: Absolutely, it was challenging because the girls themselves, they didn't accept it. They were like, oh, what? No football? And for girls, we are not taught this way. And, you know, like, we don't want to become masculine. That's the mentality. We don't want to lose the feminine side of us and become tough and become, you know. And I was like, no, football is like any kind of other sports. You play basketball, you play volleyball, you play swimming, whatever you do in sports is the same. Instead of using the hands in basketball, you use the feet. And I was telling them, look at me, I love football. I played all my childhood. And, uh, I still keep my feminine side, whatever. And it's not just about the look in the end, you know, like, you can be whatever you want, whoever you want, and nobody should judge you, no matter how much you look feminine, masculine, that's not our issue. So, uh, I started at that age trying also to tell them that it doesn't matter if you are happy with yourself, you embrace it, be who you are. And football, it's only adds value to everything you have, and it will open many opportunities for you. And it started opening so many doors for us. So we tried to get all these girls from basketball, from volleyball. And then we started with four or five girls indoor and playing in indoor, a small hall in the university, that it's not fit for soccer, actually, but. And then we started inviting the boys to play against them, because we have no teams to play against. We started to play on asphalt as well, outside when it's summer. And there, where the media started to be interested in our story that they started writing about us and we started doing interviews. We started talking about the power of football and uniting us. Uh, and there were other girls and parents heard about our story from Jericho, from Jerusalem, from Ramallah, from Hebron, even from places where you think that girls are not allowed to walk in the street, like remote areas, refugee camps, villages. We managed to reach to those girls and tell them about the amazing power of football in giving them identity and opportunities, not only in Palestine, but to travel to the outside world. And it worked step by step, trying to convince the girls, the society, the community. Then we reached out to the federation. Then we wanted their support. And then, of course, because FIFA at that time also was supporting those member associations. And there was one condition, that these member associations, they have to have girls in their programs, FIFA mandated. Yes. Otherwise they will not get, uh, the funding. And then it was a good case.

Speaker A: You have the incentives aligned for the federation.

Speaker D: And they said, yeah, we can start a women's national team. And that's how we started the women's national team against all the odds. And then everyone started writing about us. Even the most radical Israeli newspaper wrote about us, saying that this is the dream team, the Palestinian dream team. Despite of all the situation, sports united them. And sports gave them the tool to look for opportunities and hope. So it became a tool against oppression, against inequality, uh, against everything, and a tool for making us to move freely despite of all the borders, restrictions, checkpoints around us. And that is another challenge we can go on and on with for hours to talk about how difficult it was to move from one place to another, from one city to another, to play football.

Speaker A: You were the captain back then. Who do you guys played against as a national team in the women's league? Was there back then other national teams that you played against? You travel internationally. How was a little bit of the more practical things that you did as a football team?

Speaker D: No, we were just playing against the

Speaker A: boys, actually, because the whole region were struggling with the same things that you just mentioned, right?

Speaker D: Yeah, absolutely. So it was just with the boys and that's it. You know, like, sometimes we bring different ages. The coach will bring different ages. Some is from 16 to 18. So it depends on our age as well. Until we started having women teams in different cities. Then we started to shape the women's league, right? So they were in Ramallah team, and then in Jerusalem, they started a team in, uh, Jericho. They saw even in Gaza, they started to found a team. But we were never able to play against each other because, you know, the west bank is completely separated from Gaza. So when we had a tournament that we had to participate in, we had to meet somewhere else. Like, once we met in Cairo because my Gaza and colleague, they can travel to Cairo and we travel from Jordan because we don't have our own airport as well. And then we meet in Cairo. We trained one week before, and then we go to the tournament. And then when the tournament is finished, we say goodbye. And then the other teams were like, why are you saying goodbye to each other? Aren't you traveling in the same place? We say, no, unfortunately. And it was also like an awareness for other teams participating from other countries, because at that time, there was not so much about Palestine. There were little information about everything. The way we look, the way we act, the way we dream, the way we are educated, the way, everything. So, um, and that also became this football women's team. As simple to change the narrative about the Palestinian people, about women, about everything that stands for Palestine, and give identity to those people in the team, uh, struggling and fighting for to be recognized.

Speaker C: I'm just so inspired by the conversation. You are so amazing and your background is incredible, but I just wonder how many women were as brave as you were, as you at that time. And how long did it take you to have a team? I guess that opened some unexpected doors for you and also created some hurdles along the way. Can you share some?

Speaker D: Of course. You know, like, I'm proud of the women I shared the football pitch with, because they're all brave, I must say, and. And they inspired me at the same time to continue against the tough moments, against the vulnerability, against the failure. Because, you know, like, we failed together. We faced challenges together, we cried together. Doesn't matter. We were Muslims, Christians, from all side of walks of society. Football brought us together in a most powerful way. That it was magical. That was like a family, that it was like. Like we go through this all together, no matter what. So they were brave, and they are still brave. And I'm still proud of them because now many of them, they are teachers, they are sports educators, they are, uh, working in different organizations in Palestine, in UN Entities, in everywhere. They are setting a great examples and role model for all other girls to follow them. So I'm really proud of all the girls that I played football with. And without them, I would not have been where I am today, because it's about the team in the end. And, uh, they made me stronger. I got my strength from everyone there to continue the fight, I would say.

Speaker A: And m very admirable. Very admirable women, very brave, and, of course, very powerful, coming together and changing things, uh, in the community and around the region and honestly, around the world. And there's so much more, as you kind of pointed out, that we still need to do in that region, in Gaza, uh, around the world. So thank you so much. It's inspiring what you guys accomplished together. And then from there and being the captain, you transitioned to FIFA, right? You actually wanted to continue pursuing your dream of working.

Speaker D: Yes.

Speaker A: What inspired you to do that? And then what do you do? Because we all admire and know FIFA for the sport, but I'm sure there's a lot more than that. It's not that you just wake up and go to a pitch and start playing soccer all the time. Um, so how do you transition from being a soccer player and a captain and a figure in your own country and your region to FIFA and what you do and what kind of skills you need?

Speaker D: Yeah, it was a dream that one day I want to work at FIFA since I was little, you know, like, FIFA has always sent all these, like, their coaches around the world through their development programs in member associations. Because FIFA has 211 member associations. Right. And Palestine is recognized in FIFA as a full member already in the 20s, but again in 1998. And that's something it's important to highlight, because until today, Palestine is not recognized by the United nations fully. But FIFA recognized Palestine already a while ago and then again in 1998. And that gave Palestine full membership and full rights like any other members. Because FIFA has more members than the United Nations. Right. The United nations has 193. FIFA has 211. And that gave identity as well and power that we are part of a bigger organization that supports football all around the world, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, color whatsoever. So for me, seeing those coaches and instructors coming all the years to Palestine or Jordan, mostly Jordan, because it Was easier for them. So we can cross the borders and go to Jordan and take some courses. Because at that time I was also trying to shape my career, whether I'm in coaching or administration. So I took some coaching courses. And I remember the first, first proper shoes actually I got was from FIFA and it was an Adidas shoes, actually. And I was the happiest. You could never imagine how happy I was to get those shoes when I was 21, 22. Because before I never had a proper shoes to play football with. So I was so happy to do that. And I had this vision visualized in my brain at that time, that one day I want to be that person who gives opportunities through that platform to those kids from slums, from refugee camps, boys and girls, no matter what, that opportunity to have the glimpse of hope and the smile that I had on my face. And I thought that it's impossible because a girl coming from the streets of Bethlehem, dreaming about one day becoming, working at FIFA, which is the highest institution that you could ever think for football it was. Everyone laughed at it. But I believe that one day I want this. So by playing football, I got injured. And then after the injury, I started to play again. But then I knew that it's not possible because we didn't have the best way to come or to recover. Especially for girls and women in the acl, it's still a dilemma. Especially even until now, girls are suffering from ACL playing football. Of course, there's a lot of research has been done now, so it's a little bit better situation. But then I said, okay, no chance. So they said, okay, what's next? I want to carry this story, me to the outside world. And that's where I applied for the FIFA Master Sports Management program. And that is in three countries in Europe. In England, we start in Leicester, in the Montfort University in Leicester. Then we move to Italy, Bocconi. And then we end up in Neuchatel in Switzerland. And it's, uh, sports management that is supported by FIFAFA in those three big universities. It was like a dream for me one day, think that I could be accepted in such a Master. But of course I applied. I made all the recommendation letters, I went through all the interviews, and I managed to get accepted. And that was for me, the glimpse of opportunity and hope that I was waiting for. Then I got accepted. I did. The Master's finished in 2012. Then after the Master's, FIFA offers an internship to three students from the entire class. And we were from all around the world. We were 30. So imagine the chance could be for three students from the entire world. We all applied, we all went through it, and then I was grateful enough to be selected. I thought, it's only one year. Little did I know that it is 13 years today.

Speaker A: That is amazing. That's a great story. Congratulations, by the way.

Speaker D: Thank you. And you know, that was a transformation, I always say, from the streets of Bethlehem to the world stages of FIFA and beyond, you know, and, and where my work is shaping based on all the experiences I've had. Now I am using the FIFA platform. Take those shoes, ah, to go around the world and inspire those girls, boys in slums areas, homeless, refugees all around the world. And my primary responsibility is to utilize football as a platform for social impact, diplomacy, inclusion. You know, part of my job was to develop and manage global partnerships that leverage the sport to promote positive social change. You know, fostering dialogue, creating opportunities for marginalized, undeserved communities, especially in the remote areas. And that's where my role became also part of the Homeless World cup, involved in engaging also with international organizations, NGOs. So that's where the transformation happened from this little girl, this woman, working in FIFA to ensure that the message is on. And in FIFA we support those projects at all levels all around the world. So it worked perfectly.

Speaker A: It really did. And we got a chance, you and me, to connect through the Homeless World Cup. So I think it's a perfect segue for us to talk about that very important organization, Mel and Matt and everyone working there. Incredible story as well. So what connected you? Well, we'll, uh, start from the beginning for people that are listening to us now and they might not know what the Homeless World cup is. So if you don't mind just telling us what the Homeless World cup is and then also just your connection to them and why you feel it's important to highlight organ organizations like the Homeless World Cup. And what do you see kind of coming up? I know there the World Cup's coming in Oslo.

Speaker D: Of course, of course. You know, the Homeless World cup is a very, very great concept. It's a foundation that is based in Edinburgh, actually was co founded by Mil Young, you had him on the interview, and he's the, uh, president now. And the value that the Homeless World cup stands for, it's similar to my values. It's about inclusion, it's about bringing people together. It's about giving opportunities and dignity to those who are in most need. And of course it's football, because football unites everyone, regardless. Where do you Come from your background, nationality, ethnicity. It brings you on one pitch and all what you need is a ball. Sometimes in the past, you could make it from newspapers whatsoever. So it's the game for everyone. The rich, the poor, disadvantaged, uh, everyone can kick around with football and the concept of this resilient too much with my values, what I stand for. Yes, I was not growing up as a homeless, I would say, but I grew up as a stateless person, As a person who have been always in challenges about the identity and the recognition. Of course, uh, there are some similarities as well. When homeless people, they look for their identity and they look for their dignity. And sometimes, unfortunately, it ends, um, them in the streets. You know, we have more than 100 million homeless around the world. And it's sad because sometimes it's traumas, it's backgrounds, it's things that are beyond their control. And that's why also, we cannot judge the homeless because, uh, many times it's beyond their control. Nobody wants to be in the streets without any opportunities, without any goals, without any ambitions. And when I was speaking in one of the conferences, I remember in 2013, Mil was also on the same conference. We met each other. I heard his story. That was where the first time I got introduced to it. And he heard my participation. Participation as well. And then afterwards, he reached out and we talked, and he said, I have this initiative. I would like you to become one of our ambassadors. And of course, I immediately said yes, because for me, it was the values that I stand for. It was the voice of the voiceless. I wanted to be the voice of the voiceless, because I remember when I was a little girl, I wanted that opportunity and that door to open so that I can excel. Because I believe that. That a lot have talents, potentials, intelligence, but all what they miss is the opportunity. And the Homeless World cup give this opportunity for hundreds of men, women, boys and girls from all around the world. Put them in a one structure, which is the homeless World Cup. 64 teams from all around the world coming together in each year in a different country to play football. How amazing is that? So, um, and for me, ever since, since I was deeply committed to the Homeless World Cup, I tried to be in all the tournaments and the World Cups. They play, I engage with their programs until FIFA became a supporter, I would say. Which was last year, right?

Speaker A: Yes, last year was a big announcement.

Speaker D: Which was last year and biggest big announcement. And I was so happy about that because now I can merge my social contributions with my career. And it was brilliant. I Was so happy for that moment, personally me and of course happy for Mill and the institution, the foundation and happy for all those homeless who uh, seeing FIFA Ilogo everywhere on the football pitch, seeing that it's football unites the world. Engaging with the FIFA president with the video messenger and his support to the Homeless World cup because he resonated also deeply with that and he wanted to support deeply the cause because of the belief of football unites the world and the power it has to bring people together. I felt so happy actually. And I felt also like all those years that I was together with the homeless, now it's paying back as well because my work is also supporting it at all level. So yeah, this is like a little bit how it started with me in 2013 and becoming an ambassador and now it's also with FIFA supporting it. Yes. Last year we were in Korea, in Seoul for the first time ever. FIFA was there supporting the Homeless World cup with different uh, aspects and hopefully this will continue. Now we have in Oslo in August, actually this end of this month and I'm really excited about it, see where we can go with the FIFA support and changing more lives, giving more opportunities, building hope and you know, like, ah, giving dignity to those people who are looking for it. Because I feel like on the pitch you forget everything on the pitch. It's all the dignity that you gain in the world is there. No matter what is your social circumstances or whatever, there you are free from walls, from restrictions, from barriers, from judgments from people. We are all equal on the pitch. And that's what I love to see every time I go to the Homeless World Cup.

Speaker A: Well said. And I know, Nouri, you have a lot of questions. We'll put uh, all the links to the Homeless World cup in this interview and of course you'll be hearing about the Homeless World cup from us and a lot of other sources. Don't miss out. It's a really good experience, Oslo this year, every year. And as Honey was saying, we're really happy that I got a chance to meet Mel and Matt and everyone else and yeah, send him uh, a shout out from here and keep doing the amazing job that you're doing.

Speaker D: And they are amazing, actually. They're really amazing. So they had a call with Matthew is like the passion that he has

Speaker A: and you wanted to be too. So Matt, that you're here at heart if, if not.

Speaker D: Yes, amazing. And it's amazing team. You know, they stand up for passion and that's when you don't take your job as a job like, it's a life. It. Because it's passion. You do everything because you love to do it, not because you're told. And that's what I do, my job as well. I love the power that football gives. So every day for me, it's not a job. It's enjoyment, it's a fulfillment. It's. It's giving opportunities. It's just. Yeah, yeah. Giving back.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker D: That's your purpose.

Speaker C: And it's amazing. I. I love your story, honey, and I love that it seems like since you were awarded with the scholarship and everything, it seems like the universe put everything in place for you to do what you are doing, because you were meant to do what you've done and what you are doing. But anyway, I wanted to tell you you've broken through lots of barriers and I guess that you have had. Had lots of challenges. And, um, I'm curious about how have you stayed grounded into your convictions when your purpose was tested or challenged?

Speaker D: You know, I stayed grounded because I had a focus. You know, like, I knew that nothing is going to be easy at all. And I faced it, you know, like, you know, I always say it's like the world we live in or our lives is like a football match. 90 minutes. You go through hell, you go through good moments, you go through injuries, you go through losing, you go through winning. You go through insult and assault, abuse and not abuse. You know, this happens in football in 90 minutes. And the good things also happen. People cheer for you, people boo you, people cry for you, people be happy for you. So life is like that. And every time I face a difficulty or I go, life with its circumstances put me down, or I feel like I want to give up, up, because it's not easy, you know, like, it's important also to highlight you. You fail a lot sometimes. And failure is part of the process because if you don't fail, you don't learn. And each time I failed, I became stronger. It took time, but it made me who I am today. So if you ask me, do you regret anything that happened to your life, I would say nothing. Because everything I have been through, it made me and shaped me to who I am today. Yes, maybe it was not fair. Yes, it was challenging. Yes, I wished that it could have been different. Different. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was vulnerable. Yes, I felt all the doors are closed for me. Yes, I felt sad. Why? The world is acting like that. It's failing us. Uh, failing humanity, failing everything. But then I had just one focus and one choice. Either I become Traumatized and become uh, depressed and sad and sing or I swim. And for me, like, like swimming was my only way. Even it was against all the waves because I wanted to save myself. And I was thinking, if I cannot save myself, I cannot save people around me and all the girls that they need support and help all around the world, even my family, everyone, uh, that I love and care about. I needed to be strong and focus on the goal, on the medal and just, you know, think straightforward. That regardless what happens, I need to stand up and build it up again and move forward and focus on the good things. And football was my way always to focus on that. That because the essence of football, it's very unique. It managed to change my life and I know it by real and I know that it will change and it can change the lives of so many people around the world. And that's how I kept my purpose focused. Absolutely.

Speaker C: So what would be the advice that you would give to young leaders, especially women who are facing cultural or systemic obstacles?

Speaker D: I wouldn't be the person to give advice, you know, because in fact, you know, every girl face different challenges. So, so my advice, what I go through, it maybe doesn't suit a girl facing Taliban, you know, in Afghanistan, because then if I say fight for your dreams and then somebody might be harmed, really bad. Depends on the context. But I would say in general, uh, that it's important always to have no limitation and never think that your background can limit you because it can give you the greatest strength where you grew up, up where you come from. It's a strength for everyone. And for me this is to stay grounded is very important and believe in yourself. Your experience is unique, voice, important to have a voice no matter what anyone will tell you. And it's important to have this voice so that can it let you to fight for your dreams. And remember always you are more than what others expect from you. Because everyone tried to put limitation, put you into boxes and never let this, this take you away from the way. Because it's important to know that you are more, much more what then other expect from you. And you are what you decide to be. This is. I believe in it because I experience it. You are what you decide to be. So be open, be curious and above all important to stay who you are, authentic and rooted and grounded. Because this will take you no matter what. It might take so much time, time and years, but it will take you. So keep it up, believe in it. And I, I don't want to say, uh, work hard because every Girl, every woman, they know what they want and they work hard regardless. Because women save themselves. Nobody saved them around the world. They. They are. They have the fight and the capability to save themselves and to fight to be included and to fight beyond the table. To fight to have a voice, to fight to be on the seat, to fight to be respected. Uh, in a world which is mainly dominated, you know, men dominated. So, um, keep it up. We need more women. We need more strong girls to change the world.

Speaker C: Awesome. I love that and it resonates a lot because recently I've been a coaching session and. Well, exactly what you said. They mentioned at some point that we become what we tell ourselves, so we become what we say we are. So that resonates a lot. So thank you for sharing. It's amazing what you are doing. I love it.

Speaker D: Thank you. I appreciate that.

Speaker A: N. I think you two. There's no better way of ending this interview with those powerful words. I just want to say, honey, thank you so much for being here and ah, Nuria, just be my guest and just finish this episode because it feels like you two should definitely do that. And we're here to support equality and equity and women's rights. And there's still a lot to do.

Speaker D: And I must say, also here we need those men like you, Enrique, who believe also in women. It doesn't just take one gender to change the whole systems. It takes everybody included. Men, women, everyone. Because we need a, uh, strong feminist men to open the doors for women as well. Because until today, they are still the one in positions in leadership to open the door. There are many great examples of men gave the opportunities for women to be where they are today. And we must not forget that, you know, it's important to talk about equity in that direction, that we still need more men like Mel, like you, like many others, to open the doors for other girls and to give opportunities. I mean, if we want to see also the development of women's football and what has happened since, ever we see that leadership took charge. Like in FIFA, for example. Until 2019, the FIFA Women's World cup has always been FIFA loss for FIFA. But since 2023, when the leadership of FIFA, the FIFA president, pushed broadcaster sponsors. It's the time for change. And look at women's football not as a charity, but as a product, as a brand. Things changed. And then we have seen more than 1 billion invested in women's football around the world. 211 member association now the expectations are too high for 27 for the women's world cup in Brazil. So we needed those men in the leadership positions to push forward to ensure that that opportunities are for everyone. Of course, I hope one day that the women also will be in those position to take decisions on behalf of women. And we are on the right track, as we say. Inshallah.

Speaker A: I think I. I would love to see you be the president of FIFA. Uh, honey, I don't forget about us. But, but no, I'm sure, I'm sure if that's something that it's in your plans to achieve, that would be a dream come true to me and to a lot of men in I don't say grouping looking woman as president of FIFA. That would be the day. So thank you so much, Nuria. Go ahead, just close us out. This has been fantastic.

Speaker C: I just wanted to ask you, for those who would love to keep following your work or get in touch, what's the best way to connect with you?

Speaker D: I'm active on Instagram actually. So just share my name, Anita G. On Instagram and everyone can find me there. LinkedIn as well. So, yeah, please don't, uh, hesitate.

Speaker C: We will share your Instagram and your on the podcast as well. Thank you.

Speaker D: Uh, thanks to you and hopefully to see you. Will you come to Oslo?

Speaker A: Maybe Nuria. I don't think I'll be able to do it this year, but Nuria is a lot closer. So we'll talk about maybe Nuria meeting.

Speaker C: I might be there. So let's see.

Speaker D: Okay. So hope to see you there. Huh?

Speaker B: Huh.

Speaker C: Well, hopefully. Hopefully. I love to meet you one day.

Speaker D: Anyway, thank you so much for your time, for your patience, for everything. I really appreciate that. Thank you.

Speaker C: Thank you so much for your time, for your energy and for that, that powerful story and voice. And thank you to everyone for listening. Until next time, keep living with purpose.