The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade and #OneTeam Join It’s a Penalty’s Local Launch of Largest-Ever Global Campaign to Prevent Human Trafficking Ahead of the 2026 Global Soccer Tournament

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade and #OneTeam Join It’s a Penalty’s Local Launch of Largest-Ever Global Campaign to Prevent Human Trafficking Ahead of the 2026 Global Soccer Tournament

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Natasha Bessolt, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade
786-657-8514 or natasha@womensfundmiami.org
IMAGES HERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade, in collaboration with and support of County leaders, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioners, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and the 98 members of the #OneTeam alliance, is providing cross-sector access to It’s a Penalty’s public awareness campaign assets, serving as a hub for collaboration and massive impact.

MIAMI, FL (May 14, 2026) — It’s a Penalty today launched the Miami portion of its landmark global campaign to prevent human trafficking ahead of the 2026 Global Soccer Tournament, bringing together leading cities, multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and sports ambassadors across three host nations. The initiative represents the most ambitious and far-reaching campaign in the organization’s history and is projected to engage millions of people worldwide.

In Miami-Dade County, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade is working alongside State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, local leaders, and the 98 members of the #OneTeam alliance to expand access to campaign materials and strengthen collaboration across sectors.

“Miami is doing more than hosting matches — we’re confronting the business of massive human exploitation head-on,” said Marya Meyer, CEO of The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with our leaders, players, and #OneTeam, we are using this moment to affirm that every person has a right to freedom from violence. Let the world remember these games not only for the goals scored, but for a global stand for human dignity. We are stronger together, and now is the time to prove it.”

Human trafficking remains one of the world’s fastest-growing criminal activities, affecting an estimated 50 million people globally — around one-third of them children. While major sporting events do not create trafficking in isolation, they can increase demand, strain protection systems, and magnify existing vulnerabilities, particularly for migrants, women and girls, young people, and marginalized communities.

The campaign addresses these risks by delivering practical, survivor-centered tools, including educational videos, public awareness materials, reporting mechanisms, industry training for frontline staff, and tailored resources for fans, travelers, and local communities.

“The World Cup is one of the most powerful global moments to unite people behind a single purpose,” said Sarah de Carvalho, CEO of It’s a Penalty. “By partnering with leading global brands and championing the voices of international athletes, our campaign will equip millions with the knowledge needed to recognize and help prevent exploitation. Together, we are building a world where major events leave a legacy of protection, not vulnerability.”

Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney for Miami-Dade County, emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating trafficking ahead of the tournament.

“Being asked by the 2026 FIFA World Cup Miami Host Committee to lead the anti-human trafficking awareness campaign was an honor that comes with great responsibility,” said Fernandez Rundle. “My Human Trafficking Task Force and I have gladly assumed this task along with our local, state, and federal partners. Collaboration is key to the success of our work, especially in fighting this form of modern-day slavery. We are proud to add It’s a Penalty to our team and support this specialized media campaign that includes our 24/7 local rapid response hotline.”

The local rapid response hotline is available 24/7 at 305-349-7867 (305-FIX-STOP).

For more information on #OneTeam, visit: The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade #OneTeam Page

About The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade
The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade is an organization dedicated to creating positive change for women and girls through advocacy, research, grantmaking, and collective impact initiatives focused on advancing gender equity throughout Miami-Dade County.

About It’s a Penalty
It’s a Penalty is a global nonprofit organization working to prevent human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse through awareness campaigns, partnerships, education, and survivor-centered solutions tied to major sporting events and global platforms.