In a powerful act of solidarity and global responsibility, the FAW and Size of Wales have united to support Indigenous Women defenders of the world’s tropical forests—coinciding with the Cymru’s preparations for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
On Sunday 22nd June, Size of Wales presented handmade bracelets—crafted by Indigenous women from the Wampís Nation in the Peruvian Amazon—to head coach Rhian Wilkinson. These bracelets, made using sacred Amazonian seeds, symbolise life, protection, and wellbeing.
They carry deep spiritual significance and are offered as a heartfelt gesture of good luck to the team—and as a bond of solidarity between Wales and the Amazon.
“These bracelets are more than a gift—they are a message,” said Barbara Davies Quy, Deputy Director at Size of Wales.
“They represent the strength and spirit of Indigenous women who are safeguarding tropical forests which are so key in tackling climate change. It’s a beautiful symbol of Cymru’s commitment to being a globally responsible nation.”
This symbolic exchange of bracelets also echoes the FAW’s “Breichledau: For Her”initiative, which invites fans to show solidarity with the Cymru Women’s Team through handmade friendship bracelets.
Together, the shared gestures, from Wales to the Amazon, demonstrate how small acts of connection can carry powerful messages of unity and support.
Defending Forests, Defending the Future
This event forms part of a one-off initiative supported by FAW to back Indigenous women from the Wampís Nation and the Guarani People in Brazil—frontline defenders of two of the most important and threatened tropical forests in the world.
While Cymru’s women take to the pitch, these Indigenous women are fighting to protect their land, cultures, and biodiversity—often at great personal risk. The support from the FAW will help fund:
● Women-led sustainable craft-making and market access in the Wampís Nation.
● Participation, cultural preservation, and leadership training for Guarani women.
“We, the Wampis Women’s artisan group, would like to thank Cymru women for supporting us. We wish them much success in their championship. Thank you very much. Til Juminsajme!” said Almendra Monsalve Shirap, Wampís leader from the Kanus river basin.
These efforts align with Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, reinforcing its commitment to social justice, climate action, and Indigenous rights.
Helen Antoniazzi, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability at the FAW, added: “Football inspires unity, resilience, and hope—values that are shared by the Indigenous women we’re supporting.
“This partnership shows that Cymru is playing its part in protecting the planet—and standing shoulder to shoulder with those who defend it every day.”
