Since entering the world of Sport for Development and Peace in 2007 I have been fortunate to be involved, or to have witnessed a number of programmes, activities and organisations in various countries. Some were memorable and will always remain a fond memory, but there have been a few special programmes that truly capture the role that sport can play within the wider proximity of development. Such programmes are the Cup of Heros, the former Boys and Girls programme in Namibia, BUSA, and last but by no means least; Go Sisters. I have never been hands on involved in Go Sisters and in fact, this blog will be the first tangible connection I have ever had to the programme. But I have followed the progress of Go Sisters for some time now, albeit from a distance, and I'm continually impressed by the ethos of the programme and what it is achieving. 

Let me begin by stating a few facts; I am a white, english speaking, middle class, heterosexual male. That means that in terms of being privileged and having access to education, my human rights, and other basic human needs, there isn't a more privileged demographic in the world. Within sport, a passionate pastime for myself and many others the world over, I am restricted by nothing other than my lack of flexibility and skill. For me sports came naturally, as did the availability of, and access to, opportunities to participate. As I have grown older, I have come to realise what good it did me and how it helped me develop and I now combine my passion and my work to bring that message to others. But, as I have grown older, I have also come to realise that within the demographic I painted, the privileges that I have outlined are all too often taken for granted.

Let me again state a few facts; a young girl, living in a rural community in a 'developing' country, where cultural practises can sometimes be harmful and dangerous to females, especially young girls. There is not the same access to education, to human rights, or to basic human needs in this community as I have where I grew up. As for sport, well it is an activity that is most commonly viewed as a male pastime in these communities. This dominance of males in sport is echoed in the community, in the classroom, and in the household, and gender roles, be it in sport or society as a whole, are never challenged. 

Unsurprisingly, gender equality is a top priority within development and there are programmes the world over addressing the issue. Go Sisters is one such programme that does it, but does it in a fun, innovative and creative manner. It takes all of the lessons and values of sport and uses them to engage with a demographic that needs it. The manner in which Go Sisters empowers young females through sport is visible for all to see when the young females adapt the lessons from the sport field and implement them in the classroom, in the workplace, in the household, in the community and in everyday life. In the same way that male dominance in sport is challenged by the Go Sisters programme, so is the prevalence of male dominance in society. In that sense, Go Sisters is so much more than a sports programme. It is a social movement and one that continues to grow and empower young females around the world, not just to play sport, but to challenge gender stereotypes and roles that are all too common in society.

Go Sisters is important. It is important to the females that gain confidence, empowerment, education and skills through the programme. But it also sits in a position to play a key role in the wider picture. It stands as a programme that can educate men; educate them about the importance of gender equality, the key role females can, and do play in society, and highlight that in the 21st century we should no longer accept the suppression of females . It is fundamental that females are given the opportunity to participate in every aspect of society, there is no argument against that. However it is also important that males become more engaged in gender equality issues, and Go Sisters can do that. For me, that is what Go Sisters is, and what it can become.