On this International Day for Sport Development and Peace, we’re shining a light on the incredible impact of sports in post-conflict and crisis settings. Our programmes help to build bridges, heal wounds, and foster peace through teamwork and resilience. Today, let’s celebrate the power of sports to unite, inspire, and empower, as we work towards a more peaceful and inclusive world.
Empowering Girls Through Sport: A Path to Peace and Development in Sierra Leone
As the world celebrates the International Day for Sport Development and Peace, it's crucial to recognise the transformative power of sports, particularly for girls in post-conflict settings like Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
In a country that has faced its fair share of challenges, from civil war to systemic gender inequality, sports have emerged conduit for sustainable development from a local level, offering not just physical activity but also a pathway to social protection, empowerment, and peace.
Mitigating Harms
In regional sub-Sahara, as in many parts of the world, girls face multifaceted risks including gender-based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, low literacy rates, and poverty. These challenges not only hinder their personal development but also perpetuate cycles of inequality and violence within communities. However, through strategic interventions centered around sports, through the impact of soft power, sports development interventions are working to dismantle these barriers and create opportunities for girls to thrive.
One of the most significant ways in which sports contribute to wider outcomes in post-conflict settings is through social protection. Participation in sports provides girls with a safe and supportive environment where they can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and access resources for their overall well-being. By engaging in team activities and mentorship programs, girls not only learn valuable life skills but also form strong social networks that serve as a buffer against various forms of harm.
It is clear that the provision of equality of access to sports, in safe and supervised settings, can play a crucial role in promoting girls' rights and challenging harmful practices such as gender-based violence, FGM, and child marriage. Through targeted awareness, and safeguarding workshops that are integrated into sports programs, girls gain knowledge about their rights, learn to recognise and resist violence, and are more empowered to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. By fostering a culture of respect and equality, sport becomes a powerful tool for social change, challenging traditional norms and promoting gender justice with soft power from within communities.
Poverty Reduction
Sports have a direct impact on addressing key drivers of poverty and low literacy rates among girls. By providing access to education and vocational training alongside sports activities, organisations can equip girls with the skills and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. When mixed with a holistic approach alongside school sponsorship, nutrition and provision of school materials, STEM and literacy support, sports for developing can serve as a catalyst for educational and economic empowerment, opening doors to opportunities that were once out of reach.
As we celebrate the International Day for Sport Development and Peace, we reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the power of sports to create positive change in the lives of girls in at risk settings.
By investing in sports programs that prioritise gender equality, protection, and empowerment, we can build a more inclusive and peaceful society where every girl has the opportunity to thrive. Together, let's kickstart a movement of resilience, and empowerment through the transformative power of sports.
