A Brazilian seminar brought together national football and civil rights organisations to discuss the role of sport in addressing the issues around gender equity, social inclusion and human rights, on Wednesday (28 May), in São Luís do Maranhão, North West Brazil.

The event also aimed at sharing good practice on sporting projects that promote female empowerment and equality for girls and women, including the seminar organiser Plan International's project 'Futebol Feminino' (Women’s Football), which uses the game as a tool for social change.

The UK based NGO has been campaigning for children rights in the Brazilian states of Maranhão and Pernambuco since 1997. Its 'Futebol Feminino' project is currently working with 400 girls in eight communities of Maranhão’s state capital São Luís, promoting their personal and social development through the practice of football.

In the build up to the 2014 World Cup, which kicks-off in Brazil next month, the international organisation launched a national-level campaign named ‘Copa da Meninas’ (Girls’ Cup) to raise awareness of sexual exploitation of children and youth during the period.

The first edition of the 'Promovendo Educação e Igualdade de Direitos das Meninas por meio do Esporte' (Promoting education and equality for girls through sport) seminar was organised as part of the Brazilian week of action against children and youth sexual abuse.