Project overview 

The ALAFIA project aims to promote gender equality and empower young girls in the South-West of Madagascar by using rugby as an educational and social development tool. In a context marked by high levels of early marriage, gender-based violence and early pregnancies, the project addresses structural gender inequalities through a comprehensive sport-based education programme. 
 
Rugby is used as a vector for personal development, citizenship education and gender awareness, helping girls strengthen their self-confidence, leadership skills and social integration while engaging boys, educators and communities in promoting equality. The project also supports the integration of quality physical education within schools and strengthens the capacities of the local educational ecosystem. 

Project objectives

• Empower young girls and promote gender equality through rugby-based educational activities.
• Reduce early pregnancies among adolescent girls in the South-West of Madagascar.
• Integrate quality physical education into elementary schools and partner colleges.
• Strengthen the capacities of local educators, youth leaders and communities to support gender equality. 

Sport and education component: Rugby for development 

• Regular educational rugby sessions for girls and boys throughout the school year.
• Thematic cycles combining sport practice with education on gender equality, citizenship and life skills.
• Inclusive sport formats promoting participation, teamwork and mutual respect.
• Organisation of mixed teams and socio-sporting events to foster social cohesion. 

Capacity building and community mobilisation

• Training seminars on gender equality, Sustainable Development Goals and quality physical education.
• Capacity building for young educators and coaches, with a focus on recruiting and training female educators.
• Community events, tournaments and awareness activities engaging families and local stakeholders. 

Target beneficiaries

• Direct beneficiaries: approximately 4,000 children and youth aged 6 to 18, with a strong focus on girls.
• Indirect beneficiaries: families, educators, schools and local communities in the South-West of Madagascar. 

Scale and expected impact 

• Reduced exposure of beneficiary girls to early pregnancies.
• Improved perception of women and girls within local communities.
• Strengthened leadership and self-confidence among girls.
• Reinforced social cohesion through inclusive sport activities.