Transcript
SARAI BAREMAN: Having come through women's football from a member country, being Samoa, into a confederation, Oceania, I've had a large involvement in women's football there. What I have enjoyed about Oceania is the fact that the impact I can have is much wider in the countries within the Pacific. I guess what appeals the most for me about the position in FIFA is that then it becomes an ability to make a global impact in such an important area. It's very exciting.
BARRY GUY: Is it because of some personal experiences within the region, that you would like to make a difference?
SB: Absolutely yes and I think what I have experienced in the Pacific region, it is not unique. Something that I have come to learn since my involvement in football is that the challenges that we face as women within football are the same all the world over. Even the most developed countries in the world, the challenges are similar. Whilst my experience has been in the Pacific region primarily, what I know now is that these problems and these challenges that we face are world-wide.
BG: I'm sure there are many thing that you want to overcome but what would you like to achieve?
SB: To me, women's football in FIFA represents the biggest growth opportunity. At the moment it really is an untapped resource in terms of commercialisation of women's football, I think even in terms of participation of players. Part of the role, which is quite dear to my heart, is the use of football as a tool to assist with women's empowerment and gender equality. There are many countries in the world where women are not in good position because of their gender and I have seen through my work that football as a sport really does have a unique power to overcome some of these barriers.
BG: So your new position, do you have the power to achieve what your want? You can make change?
SB: Yes, absolutely. The role is quite a powerful role within the world of football. There are some very, very good people working within women's football at the moment, all around the world and not just within FIFA. My aim really is to take as much from these people and get their support and also have their input. The thing that excites me is that it really is a position that can influence change and can lead change and to me this is one of the greatest aspects of the role.
