As the Premier Partner of the ICC, DP World has been instrumental in supporting cricket on a global scale, particularly when it comes to fostering equal opportunities for boys and girls. Their “Beyond Boundaries” initiative takes things further by focusing on making cricket accessible to everyone, especially young girls who may not traditionally have been given such opportunities.
A recent event that took place at the Dubai International Stadium during the India vs New Zealand Women’s T20 (WT20) match perfectly exemplified this commitment. It wasn’t just about the cricket that day; for 500 young schoolgirls, it was about inspiration, empowerment, and dreaming big.
Significance of the India vs New Zealand WT20 Match
For 500 schoolgirls from the Indian High Group of Schools in Dubai, this wasn’t just another cricket match, it was an event that would leave a lasting impact. Watching elite female athletes compete at such a high level offered these young girls more than just entertainment. It gave them a tangible example of what women can achieve in the world of sports. As they cheered from the stands, they were not just spectators but witnesses to the possibility of what could be.
While the match itself was a thrilling spectacle, with New Zealand delivering a masterclass to defeat India by 58 runs, for the young girls in attendance, the day was about much more than just the result. It was about exposure to role models, to the power of perseverance, and to the fact that women can excel in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Empowering Girls Through Sport
DP World’s commitment to promoting gender equality spans both business and sports. Their efforts to encourage young girls to pursue their passions, whether in sport or elsewhere, reflect a broader mission to break down barriers and challenge societal norms. By providing access to elite cricket, DP World sends a strong message: success in any field is attainable regardless of gender.
Ebtesam Al Kaabi, Vice President of Sales at Jafza, DP World GCC, expressed her hope that this experience would inspire the girls to see that a successful career in cricket or any other field is within their reach
Ebtesam Al Kaabi, Vice President, Sales Jafza, DP World GCC said: “We were delighted to provide these girls with the opportunity to witness an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match in Dubai. We hope this experience inspires them to see that a successful career in cricket is achievable, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their passion.
“By proving that cricket, like any other profession, is for everyone regardless of gender, we challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes. We aim to instill in them the belief that they can overcome challenges and succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.”
Punit MK Vasu, CEO of The Indian High Group of Schools, spoke about the transformative power of such opportunities.
Punit MK Vasu, CEO, The Indian High Group of Schools said: “The opportunity that DP World has provided for the young girls at the Indian High Group of Schools to attend an elite WT20 match can be a truly transformative moment. We encourage all of our students to pursue lofty goals, and seeing that these things are achievable is a vital component of making their dreams a reality.”
Beyond Boundaries Initiative
DP World’s Beyond Boundaries initiative isn’t limited to the UAE. It’s a global mission, reaching grassroots organizations across six countries and three continents. By providing cricket kits and equipment, DP World helps boys and girls alike pursue their passion for the game, with a particular focus on empowering girls.
Nick Pinder, Vice President, Partnerships and Sponsorships, ICC said: “In the first 18-months of our partnership, DP World has demonstrated that it shares the ICC’s vision of cricket as a tool for empowerment and joy for people of all backgrounds, nationalities and genders. The Beyond Boundaries initiative has already delivered 2,500 cricket kits to grassroots organisations in 6 countries and across 3 continents, putting bats in the hands of girls and boys that otherwise may not have had the opportunity to pursue their passion for cricket. Now to see them providing young girls the exposure to the pinnacle of the sport is fantastic, and we hope it will inspire these youngsters as they pursue their dreams.”
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