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Sport and play for psychosocial support
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Sport has the potential to make a big difference to the lives of women affected by war or conflict, as highlighted by a Swiss Academy for Development project in South Sudan.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest independent country, is suffering the effects of three decades of war and internal conflict. Studies show that up to half the population suffers from mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Women are particularly vulnerable, bearing the additional burden of encountering sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

It is in this context that, in May 2012, the Swiss Academy for Development and South Sudan Psychosocial Programme launched Women on the Move, an innovative project which highlights the potential for sport to be used for dealing with the psychological and physical effects of trauma. Data from the beginning of the project illustrates the extent of the need met:

  • 95.9% of participants had experienced some form of SGBV, including physical, psychological, economic and sexual violence
  • More than 93% fled from violence at least once – mostly to refugee camps in northern Uganda 
  • 83% screened positive for symptoms of PTSD

As Pia Ammann, SAD project coordinator for Women on the Move, explains: “Domestic violence (and women’s rights in general), were a huge issue from the beginning. Generally, 'moving on' seems to be central to the women. That’s what they want: to make a step forward, to move towards a positive change and towards empowerment.

Sport can contribute to personal growth and improve quality of life by drawing attention away from suffering, improving health, strengthening relationships and building resilience. The project offers sport and play activities for women twice weekly in five locations. Netball, football and volleyball are offered, complemented by activities such as play-based games, story telling and traditional dancing with songs written by the participants. Sessions also include group discussions on topics suggested by the participants (e.g. domestic violence, child abuse, alcohol abuse and trauma).

Monitoring and evaluation carried out just over eight months into project activities shows the impact that well planned, effectively implemented sport projects can have in a relatively short amount of time.

As explained by Ammann: “Sport and play activities represent a social and cultural innovation for the women and the evaluation basically confirmed what everyone involved knew: that the use of sport and play is effective in tackling the psychosocial challenges that these women face. And from my observation, the project has not only benefitted them as individuals but also their families.

Improved physical and mental health

  • Symptoms of PTSD such as repeated disturbing dreams were found to have reduced
  • Participants perceived their physical and mental health as being significantly better
  • The women reported feeling stronger, better prepared and more able to make informed decisions, as well as having more energy for chores

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Increased ability to cope

  • The women had enhanced beliefs in their abilities with many explaining how improved skills, such as being able to express oneself or manage tasks efficiently, have benefited them in daily life
  • Before the project, women were not used to talking openly about sexual and gender based violence and found it difficult to cope with these experiences. Eight months later, their perceived capability in coping had improved and they increasingly sought help from relatives, friends or professionals
  • The women’s perception of their ability to cope with stress was significantly higher

Social ecology
  • The number of close friends increased significantly, highlighting that the activities offer a unique opportunity to socialise. With social and support networks destroyed due to migration and displacement, this is crucial.
  • The women perceived there to be a higher availability of emotional support

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