Sport en Commun

Project supported by Kick4Life

Kick4Life is a non-profit association owning a football club dedicated to social change. With over 250,000 children and youngsters impacted already, its mission is to transform the lives of vulnerable youths in Lesotho through the promotion of long-term sustainable development.

The program uses sport to empower girls and young women with sexual and reproductive health education, knowledge of their rights, preventing and responding to gender-based violence, and life-skills development notably self-confidence through sport and women’s empowerment. The total cost of the programme is estimated at €80,000.

Context

Lesotho is a patriarchal society that normalises gender inequality. In 2014, 33% of women and 40% of men expressed a belief that a husband is justified in beating his wife in some circumstances (LDHS). 86% of women have experienced Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at least once, including partner & non-partner violence. Gender Links research also indicates that GBV remains a primary driver of HIV infection in Lesotho, which has the world’s second-highest prevalence 23.8% (AVERT, 2018). Many women are unaware of their rights and how to uphold them, and lack knowledge and confidence to access healthcare and other key services. There is a lack of gender equality in all areas of society: family life, education, at work, and on the football pitch.

In this context, Kick4Life combines sport and social development activities to fight against gender inequality in Lesotho. Based on tried and tested Sport for Good methodology, which includes a range of interactive games, discussions, and adapted rules football matches, the Girls United programme has been designed and delivered over the last two years by five young women from the Kick4Life women’s football team.

Goals

Increase young women knowledge of gender rights and improve their confidence and life-skills to uphold their rights
Increase young women knowledge of sexual & reproductive health and HIV prevention
Provide women with health, protection legal & psychosocial support
Engage men in the fight against gender discrimination

Activities

Refresher training for young leader coaches
Mobilisation and referral of participants to the programme
Delivery of 12 sessions curriculum to 600 participants
Mixed-gender tournaments
Progression plans developed for each participant towards further health, sport and
employability opportunities
Referrals to specialist services including health and protection providers
Monthly interventions of Girls United Support Network

Impact

The number of beneficiaries is estimated at 600
Participants will improve health, reduce the risk of HIV infection, and access to health services
Participants will ameliorate self-efficacy related to their long-term health
Participants will reduce the risk of gender-based violence and will increase their knowledge and skills for upholding their rights.
Participants will reach opportunities to play sport
Participants will improve prospects towards achieving sustainable livelihood
Beneficiaries will have safer living conditions with improved long-term financial sustainability and economic independence