Women were often marginalized in various areas like politics, sports, education, and employment for a long time. But things are changing. Efforts to create a more inclusive society have led to transformative changes. In recent years, there has been remarkable progress towards gender equality in sports. Some sports for development programs have targeted empowering girls and promoting equality since their emergence in the Millenium Development Goals era. ( Kwauk, 2021)
Various organizations dedicated to social and economic development employ diverse strategies to empower women. One approach involves utilizing sports. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, established in 2015, highlights the importance of sports in realizing sustainable development.
Sports participation leads to personal development which is important for realizing youth potential. Sport can build bridges between communities, regardless of their cultural differences or political divisions, as it disregards geographical borders, ethnic differences, and social classes. To effectively realize these objectives, initiatives undertaken by such organizations should establish inclusive sporting environments tailored to girls and women, enabling them to cultivate skills and improve interpersonal communication.
What are inclusive spaces in sports? How do you create them? And why are they important? Inclusive spaces prioritize inclusivity, are discrimination-free, and make women feel respected. Different regions face unique gender equality challenges in sports. In Kenya, creating these spaces involves addressing social norms, access to resources, safety concerns, and cultural barriers. Some strategies include engaging with community leaders, schools, girls, and women, converting open spaces into safe sports areas, providing mentorship for disabled women, showcasing successful female athletes, and monitoring program effectiveness.
Safe spaces in sports offer women a supportive environment to connect, share experiences, and form relationships with similar individuals. Engaging in sports can boost confidence, self-esteem, and leadership abilities, empowering women to challenge stereotypes and overcome gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces. These inclusive spaces also facilitate teaching crucial skills such as social and emotional learning, sexual and reproductive health education, financial literacy, environmental awareness, and more.
Participation in sports empowers women by enhancing physical strength, endurance, and flexibility, improving overall health. It fosters confidence as they overcome challenges and achieve personal goals, boosting self-esteem. Furthermore, sports develop leadership abilities through teamwork and decision-making, preparing women for leadership roles in various aspects of life.
According to Kwauk (2021), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) should be integrated into programs targeting girls’ development. It involves teaching effective communication and engagement with diverse backgrounds, accessing community resources, overcoming barriers, identifying opportunities, and understanding how traditional norms can hinder progress. Moreover, ensuring they develop the confidence to advocate for themselves, their rights, and their needs.
During our women’s empowerment sessions in Huruma, Nairobi, we asked the young girls about their local role models who inspired them to play football. One of them mentioned Doreen Nabwire. We asked her why. She said, “Our coach told us that Nabwire’s mother denied her the chance to play football. But she believed in herself and even played at the international level. Whenever my parents say that football is a boys’ game, I always bring up Nabwire’s story.” Nabwire grew up without organized women’s leagues. Now, as the Head of Women’s Football at the Football Kenya Federation, she leads efforts to boost girls’ football in Kenya. (FIFA, 2023). Her achievements show that women can achieve great success and challenge gender stereotypes. Her presence and accomplishments on the global stage reshaped perceptions and inspired future generations of athletes.
Creating inclusive sports programs for women still faces challenges, including cultural stereotypes, limited resources, lack of representation in leadership, and unequal funding compared to men’s sports. These barriers hinder women’s participation and progress. Equal allocation of resources and funding will ensure equal growth opportunities. Education can raise awareness, promote diversity, and empower women to advocate for their rights. Implementing policies like equal pay for women athletes and ensuring equal opportunities for coaching and leadership roles can create a more supportive environment for women in sports.
In conclusion, promoting gender equality in sports through inclusive spaces is vital for empowering women. Sports break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and empower women to reach their full potential. Programs like sports for development provide supportive environments for women to thrive physically, mentally, and socially, fostering confidence, leadership, and resilience. Figures like Doreen Nabwire show how sports programs drive societal change. Yet, despite significant progress, more efforts are needed to ensure equal opportunities for all women in sports.
Written by;
Leah Wanjiru Women Up Coordinator
