Ons Jabeur: Championing Women's Empowerment Through Tennis and Philanthropy
Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, is using her platform to empower women globally through her role as a World Food Programme ambassador and her dedication to education and equality.
Ons Jabeur's Dual Mission: Tennis and Women's Empowerment
Ons Jabeur, the trailblazing Tunisian tennis player, is not just focused on her achievements on the court. As a three-time Grand Slam finalist, Jabeur has taken on a new role as an ambassador for the World Food Programme (WFP), leveraging her platform to advocate for women's empowerment and global food security.
A Platform for Change
Jabeur's collaboration with the WFP goes beyond addressing food insecurity. She is deeply committed to helping women gain access to education and employment opportunities. "When you help women, they get the opportunity to work and provide for the whole family, and that's really important," Jabeur emphasized in a recent interview with BBC Sport Africa.
Inspiring Stories from Cairo
One of Jabeur's first projects with the WFP took her to Cairo, where she witnessed firsthand the resilience and generosity of women striving to improve their lives. "I was preparing bread with one of the women, and you have no idea the big heart that they have," Jabeur recounted. "Even though they don't have enough, they were very generous, and that is what everyone should stand for."
Education as a Key Focus
Education in vulnerable areas is another critical issue for Jabeur. She shared the story of a woman who returned to school at a late age, calling her "very courageous." Jabeur believes that education is a fundamental right that can transform lives and communities.
The Fight Against Hunger
Established in 1961, the WFP is the world's largest humanitarian organization, aiming to end global hunger. Jabeur highlighted the stark reality of food inequalities, describing them as "heartbreaking." She firmly believes that "it's every person's right to have at least one meal a day."
Balancing Motherhood and Tennis
Jabeur is also a strong advocate for supporting women in sports, particularly when it comes to balancing motherhood and professional careers. She expressed her admiration for fellow player Belinda Bencic, who returned to the court after giving birth. "I'm just hoping the sponsors will follow," Jabeur said, emphasizing the need for more support for mothers in sports.
Mental Health and Comeback
After a challenging 2024 season cut short by injury, Jabeur is focused on her comeback, both physically and mentally. She stresses the importance of mental health, saying, "I always encourage people to take care of their mental health because that's kind of what keeps us alive."
International Women's Day Message
As International Women's Day approaches, Jabeur has a powerful message for women worldwide: "I respect all women around the world. I feel like a woman is the toughest creature. She's the smartest creature. Believe in your dreams to achieve whatever you want to achieve. Everything is possible."
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