David Beckham says 'girls are held back' in awards ceremony speech in Davos
20 January 2025, 21:52 | Updated: 20 January 2025, 23:04
David Beckham has said that "girls are held back" in an awards ceremony speech in Davos.
"I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers and that should be the case for all girls everywhere," the former England captain said as he was recognised as a cultural leader in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF).
He was presented with a Crystal Award in Switzerland on Monday for what was described as his "extraordinary leadership and humanitarianism" in protecting "the rights of the most vulnerable children".
Chancellor Rachel Reeves travelled to the same event, held in the shadow of Donald Trump's inauguration, in an attempt to drum up investors for growth projects in the UK.
Hilde Schwab, who presented the award to Beckham, said his legacy "reflects his dedication to using his fame for social change, leaving a lasting impact".
On stage, the 49-year-old said: "Today, there are more children in need and at risk than any time in recent history, and it is always the most vulnerable children who face the biggest challenges - especially girls.
"Girls are held back by poverty, girls are held back by violence, girls are held back by discrimination.
"I'm lucky enough to be a father of three boys and one beautiful girl.
"I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers, and that should be the case for all girls everywhere.
"Being a girl shouldn't determine what you can do, where you can go, and who you can become."
Beckham added that the female teenage population was the "largest generation of future leaders and innovators that the world has ever known".
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He continued: "What an exciting prospect if we can unlock their potential and support their development.
"But girls need more than words. They need opportunities.
"They need collective action, and they need investment."
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