How the Bright Future Development Organisation girls’ football team is contributing to development and peace in the MENA region

Sports are not merely physical activities or a form of entertainment; they have become powerful tools for social change, gender equality and sustainable development. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where girls often face economic, social and cultural challenges, sports offer a unique opportunity to address these barriers and foster more inclusive communities. The Girls’ Football Team of the Bright Future Development Organisation in Somaliland serves as an inspiring model of how sports can empower girls and create tangible positive change.

This program supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It promotes physical and mental well-being in alignment with Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), challenges societal norms to empower girls, thereby advancing Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and ensures equal opportunities for marginalised groups, contributing to Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By providing a safe space for girls to build self-confidence, develop leadership skills and pursue their aspirations, the team enables them to overcome traditional norms that often limit their potential.

Here, sports are not just about enhancing physical performance but about equipping girls with the tools to overcome societal constraints. Through football, these young players develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, offering them a platform to excel across various fields. Furthermore, the program fosters a community environment built on mutual respect and collaboration, where girls learn the importance of cooperation and responsibility.

Despite its significant achievements, women’s sports in the region face considerable challenges. A lack of adequate infrastructure poses a significant barrier, as many areas lack well equipped and safe facilities for girls. Cultural and social restrictions remain another major hurdle, with widespread resistance to the idea of girls participating in sports. Moreover, limited funding often places women’s sports at the bottom of governmental priorities, leaving them reliant on international aid and private sector support.

Ensuring the sustainability of such programs requires genuine commitment from governments, non-governmental organisations, and international partners. Investment in sports infrastructure, training opportunities and community awareness campaigns can transform the landscape entirely. Inclusive policies and initiatives that guarantee girls the right to participate in sports are vital. Involving local communities in designing and implementing these programs can help overcome cultural barriers and establish women’s sports as an essential component of development.

Modern technology offers significant potential to support women’s sports, especially in resource limited areas. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality can provide creative and engaging training opportunities, playing sports more inclusive and accessible. For instance, digital platforms can deliver remote training programs in rural or remote regions where facilities are scarce.

Sports also play a pivotal role in fostering peace and mutual understanding. When girls are given a shared platform to participate, sports become a means to build bridges between cultures and strengthen unity. For the Girls’ Football Team in Somaliland, sports have been more than just a game they’ve become a space for connection, personal growth and new opportunities for education and employment.

The mental and physical health benefits of sports are undeniable. Regular participation reduces stress, improves mental resilience and enhances overall well-being. For the girls involved in the Bright Future program, these initiatives have provided a safe environment that supports their individual and collective growth, enabling them to build lives filled with potential and opportunities.

Looking to the future, technology and international partnerships have the power to revolutionise how women’s sports develop across the MENA region. Strategies such as establishing sports leadership academies and community training programs can lead to transformative societal shifts in the perception of women’s sports. Through innovative initiatives like the Bright Future Global Leadership Academy, young leaders and innovators can be trained to champion sports as a tool for change.

The Bright Future Development Organisation’s Girls’ Football Team exemplifies what can be achieved through sports. By empowering girls and offering them the opportunity to learn, lead and realise their dreams, this program contributes to building a more inclusive and equitable future. Sports are not just about recreation they are a platform for change, hope and inspiration. With the right investments, supportive policies and robust partnerships, women’s sports can become a driving force for social justice and sustainable development in the MENA region.

Together, through the power of sport, we can ensure opportunity, equality, and peace for all.