All girls united for gender equality in rural areas
Context
In April 1994, during one hundred days, more than 800,000 people (men, women, children) were killed in Rwanda, and many others were beaten, tortured. According to Handicap International in 2019, about 29% of the population is still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder related to the genocide. And more than one in five people suffer from depressive episodes.
Beyond the trauma caused by the genocide, women and girls are also sometimes victims of gender inequality and/or gender-based violence.
Objectives
- Empowering girls and raising awareness among boys to inspire the next generation of Rwandan youth
- Combating discrimination against girls and women, engaging boys and men as advocates, and promoting gender cooperation
- Promoting “Play Fair” life skills
- Improving the leadership skills of women and girls
- Strengthening the skills of coaches as role models for young people
- Developing the skills of boys aged 13-18 as advocates for gender equality
- Promoting inclusion through sport in homes, schools and communities
Activities
- Implementation of the All Girls United (AGU) programme through the organisation of 3 camps combining monthly education and gender equity sessions (70 Kids Play girls aged 13 to 18).
- Organisation of 6 outreach sessions for boys
- Organisation of weekly youth-led “Play Fair” community days
- Setting up a youth-led Olympic Day event
- Strengthening the skills of coaches
Impacts
- 200 young people aged 7 to 18 benefiting from the programme
- Trained 16 coaches/staff and reached over 1,400 adults and youth in the community
- Reduction of discrimination against women
- Increased involvement of boys in gender equality advocacy