2015 Sport for Women’s Empowerment Seminar

Addressing gender-based violence through football in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Violence against girls and women is a grave violation of human rights. Its impact ranges from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences for girls and women, including death.

According to a 2013 global review of available data, 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.

Sport offers qualities that align with the core necessities of women’s empowerment in general and addressing gender-based violence specifically. When girls and women participate in sport, they challenge the core of gender-based violence: inequity, patriarchy, and rigid gender roles.

Beyond the social challenge, the application of sport in combating gender-based violence is practical.

Physically when girls and women play, they become stronger and healthier. They develop greater ownership and understanding of their bodies.

Psychologically, sport can enhance a girl’s or women’s self-esteem and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the team environment can offer social support and a forum for girls and women to share their concerns and experiences, including those related to gender-based violence.

Starting from your experience and knowledge, the 2015 Sport for Women’s Empowerment Seminar will explore major issues related to women’s empowerment, leadership and gender-based violence in the MENA-region, share tools and strategies of addressing these issues through sport and discuss possibilities of a shared strategy.