Impacts of Sport for Development on Gender Equality, Psychosocial Wellbeing and Social Cohesion in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq - GiZ

The quasi-experimental impact study conducted in 2022 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, in collaboration with GIZ and the German Sports University, examined the impact of Sport for Development on specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme targeted children and young people aged 10 to 19 in internally displaces people' (IDP) camps and host communities. The results show that Sport for Development significantly improves psychosocial well-being, with a notable effect on socio-emotional skills, particularly for mixed-gender teams. It also has a positive impact on gender equality, reducing acceptance of gender-based violence and promoting equality in the division of household tasks, although without any tangible behavioural change. In addition, the programme contributes to social cohesion and inclusive behaviour towards different religions and ethnicities.

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