SPORT: GREAT DRIVER OF GENDER EQUALITY IN AFRICA
“Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” (5th of the Sustainable Development Goals)
Sport has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for advocating and raising awareness about gender equality in Nigeria. It can contribute to breaking down societal and cultural barriers that discriminate against women and girls at all levels. At ACYSD, we believe in the transformative power of sport, which is why we have developed the Power Up Girls® campaign. The campaign aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls both within the realm of sport and in their communities through sport.
Throughout history, sport has consistently proven to be a driving force behind gender equality. It teaches women and girls the values of teamwork, self-reliance, and resilience. Sport provides a platform for girls to form social connections and find solace from violence in their homes and communities. It also helps them understand their bodies, build confidence, and develop the ability to speak up. Unfortunately, many girls face pressure to conform to traditional gender stereotypes, which often leads to their abandonment of sports. Our goal is to eliminate these barriers and create an environment where all girls can thrive.
In Nigeria, as in other parts of the world, sport is still plagued by gender inequalities such as unequal pay, gender-based violence, inadequate investment, and negative stereotypes. Sport, particularly sport-based community programs like Power Up Girls®, is designed to challenge and shift these harmful gender norms and promote gender equality.
It is essential to engage men and boys in the pursuit of gender equality within and through sport. Sport has the potential to foster better gender relations and cooperation. By leveraging our partnerships and involving men and boys, we can collectively address the issue of gender-based violence, both on and off the field. Together, we can work towards a future where all playing fields are truly level for women and girls, and where gender-based violence has no place in any aspect of our lives.
Join us in harnessing the power of sport to drive gender equality in Africa. Together, we can create a society where every individual has equal opportunities and where women and girls can thrive and succeed.