International Day of Sport for Development and Peace provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of sport and physical activity in communities. Those most marginalised by economic disposition, disability, identity or lack of infrastructure do not always have the privilege of participation or opportunity in sports. Under the theme of โScoring for People and the Planetโ; Success Capital Organisation, Sports and Development for Africa and other partners embarked on a series of activities that integrate sports, action against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Through an intersectional praxis, these have included soccer matches between different communities, a sanitary pad donation drive and community dialogues. This not only reflects how Sustainable Development can work in tandem with the fulfilment of human rights, but aligns with global commitments to preserving the developmental, educational and health-promoting functions of sport.
Sports is integral to women and girlsโ development. Sports-based interventions have positive impacts on young peopleโs life skills and entrepreneurial mindsets. Despite Botswanaโs commitment to gender equality, it was part of over 35 African countries that did not make a commitment at the Generation Equality Forum. Similarly, development banks in Africa are yet to make commitments in the same way. This calls for targeted approaches to integrating and coordinating women, youth and sport interventions as they are housed within the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture. More importantly, it will be on our advocacy agenda at the 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund โ alongside advancing Universal Health Coverage and SRHR for the constituents we represent and serve.
Country data continues to be a challenge, along with meaningful pathways to eliminating gender disparities through sport. The impact of bridging communities is clear, as Precious Zemona from Maun shared her experience on the sports field during an impact sharing session for a Bodily Autonomy and Integrity project. Playing in a team of young queer women and gender non-conforming individuals competing against sex workers in Old Naledi, she shared the following: โWe really enjoyed the match. We beat them 9 โ 2. It was fun and enlightening, especially with the conversations we had.โ It affirms the strengthening of agency, building of community and promotion of wellbeing. More importantly, it is a practical example of extending solidarity and inclusion within the African context.
The compromise in womenโs participation at a global level heralds additional inequalities that perpetuate harmful gender norms. The policing of women and girls in public, social, workplace, recreational and sport environments is a shared and global phenomena. It calls for urgency in examining how harmful gender norms and socio-economic standing compromise safety, inclusion and participation. Mmabatho from Old Naledi further shares on the impact of her participation in similar engagements; โIt helps us destress and loosen up. There are many worries and participating in recreational activities disarms stigma and discrimination in our community. When elected councillors and VDC members join us in our discussions, we shed light on underlying issues and bring attention to what can be done better. The soccer matches have helped in bringing community togetherโ. The donation of sanitary pads in Old Naledi and North-East schools including Ramoja, Shanganani, Thamani, Moroka and Jakalas II further affirm multistakeholder, intersectional and community driven approaches to improving the lives of women and girls in their diversity.