Bartomeu: This day is a tribute to all the women who have fought for equality

Barcelona held their Talent Beyond Sport workshop on Friday as part of International Women’s Day, the third year in a row that the club has offered an arena for debate of the role of women at the club and in society in general.

This session was attended by leading women and former athletes to examine the challenges involved in focusing their professional lives after sports, while Barça also presented the ‘It’s our Moment’ campaign that showcases female talent.

The day, promoted by the Edelmira Calvetó Group (GEC), created in 2011 to support the role of women at Barça and honour their historical legacy, was opened with speeches by Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu and by director, Maria Teixidor, who is head of women's football and president of the GEC.

They emphasised the importance of a club like Barça continuing to work to build in this area through sport. Not only because it is a core area of the club’s activities, but also because it is a source of learning for personal training.

Bartomeu said: “This day is also a tribute to all the women who have fought, and to all those who are still fighting to achieve a society where the rights of women and men are recognised on an equal footing.

"From Edelmira Calveto, the woman who overcame the prejudices of a completely male-dominated environment in 1913 to become the first member of our club, to our female athletes today, who are already such excellent models for so many girls and boys who need to grow up and learn in a society in which opportunities are not gendered.

"I also hope it also helps us to envisage a world that is more open, courageous, unashamed, and more inclusive.”