Girls United

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

Photo credit : Kick4Life