Play is Her Protest
16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women
When a girl participates in sport, she challenges the spine of gender-based violence (GBV) – inequity, patriarchy and rigid gender roles. Beyond the social challenge, she becomes physically stronger and healthier. She develops a greater ownership and understanding of her body. Her success on the sport field translates into her belief in herself off the sport field.
We believe this can all add up to a reduction in a girl’s risk of experiencing GBV and ability to cope and find support when and if she is violated. Sport is a powerful strategy to address GBV.
To celebrate the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, we are proud to share 11 short video stories of girls and activists around the world who have taught us how it can work. Sample stories include the following:
- Cyclist, Camila Sabogal from the Indigenous Organisation of Colombia discusses sport for trauma healing and social mobilization for women who have experienced GBV in the conflict in Colombia.
- Fatuma Abdulkadir Aman, extraordinary leader of the Horn of Africa Development Initiative, shares how the usually-silent practice of FGM is addressed in the safe space of HODI’s girls’ football program.
- An estimated 50% of Sierra Leonean girls and women were victims of sexual violence during the war. Ella, a young footballer, shares her views on moving beyond the destruction into a future determined by her aspirations.
To watch the video stories, go to: http://gbvguide.org/intro/stories