By – Najjat Omar.
The International Day of the Girl, celebrated globally on October 11 every year In , Zanzibar celebrates this day this year on October with a unique focus on empowering girls through sports This day highlights the significance of breaking gender barriers and supporting girls in their journey toward equal opportunities. Sports have proven to be a powerful tool for development, and in Zanzibar, the initiative to integrate girls into sports has been spearheaded by local organizations, including the Center of Youth Dialogue (CYD) and TAMWA-Zanzibar (Tanzania Media Women’s Association), along with the German Development Agency (GIZ).
Historical Perspective on Girls' Day
The International Day of the Girl was established in 2012 by the United Nations to address the unique challenges faced by girls globally, such as access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence. The theme for Girls' Day has always centered on ensuring gender equality and creating spaces where girls can thrive. This year's celebration in Zanzibar emphasizes the intersection of sports and gender equality as a means to empower young girls.
Challenges in Sports Participation
In many parts of Africa, including Zanzibar, girls face significant challenges when it comes to sports participation. Cultural expectations, lack of access to resources, and limited opportunities often hinder girls from engaging fully in sports. Despite these barriers, initiatives like "Sports for Development" (S4D) are working to shift this narrative. S4D programs focus on using sports as a means of social development, instilling leadership, teamwork, and resilience in young girls.
Rahma Ali Juma, an Officer from the Center of Youth Dialogue (CYD), highlighted the importance of sports in shaping the future of these girls. "We are proud to have 150 young girls from primary schools participating in our activities this year. These girls are not just playing netball—they are learning how to protect themselves from gender-based violence and acquiring skills in leadership that will benefit them throughout their lives." Said Rahma.
The celebration in Zanzibar includes a series of friendly netball matches, with girls from various schools in Unguja, including Tumbatu, Jongowe, Mkokotoni, and more, actively participating. These matches are more than just games—they represent a movement towards greater gender equality, where girls are encouraged to take up space in sports, something traditionally dominated by boys.
Khairat Haji, a Sports for Development Officer at TAMWA-Zanzibar, emphasized the broader societal impact of these initiatives. "Through sports, we are teaching girls not only the value of teamwork but also that they have a right to equal participation in all areas of life. It is about changing mindsets and fostering a culture of inclusion in Zanzibar." She addressed it.
Media's Role in Promoting Equality
Aside from their work in sports, TAMWA-Zanzibar has also been at the forefront of educating journalists on how to report on gender equality, particularly in Unguja and Pemba. By training media professionals, TAMWA ensures that the stories reaching the public reflect the importance of gender balance and women's rights. These initiatives equip journalists with the tools to highlight issues such as gender-based violence, leadership opportunities for women, and the importance of inclusion in sports and other areas of life.
As the celebrations culminate with the final netball match and an exhibition of artwork reflecting the S4D themes, it becomes clear that this day is more than a celebration. It is a call to action for communities in Zanzibar and beyond to invest in girls' futures through sports and education. Empowering girls through sports is a step toward combating gender-based violence and ensuring that they have the tools and confidence to lead in their communities.
TAMWA- Z show that the island is making strides in breaking barriers and building a future where girls are not limited by societal expectations, but rather encouraged to reach their full potential.
As the celebrations culminate with the final netball match and an exhibition of artwork reflecting the S4D themes, it becomes clear that this day is more than a celebration. It is a call to action for communities in Zanzibar and beyond to invest in girls' futures through sports and education. Empowering girls through sports is a step toward combating gender-based violence and ensuring that they have the tools and confidence to lead in their communities.
0 Comments