So it was to my extreme shock and everyone else’s, when I was a granted a place on the 2009 IDEALS trip to Zambia (my news was greeted with a chorus of ‘but you don’t know anything about sport’). Spotting a small advert in the Students Union, I was drawn to the community-based project that involved engaging with children and young people through the delivery of sport, to educate about social issues including HIV and Aids (although this description really was only the tip of the iceberg). I was appointed as the Media Student, which involved writing articles both for Zambian and UK press, delivering media workshops as well as raising awareness about the project, students and Universities. 

I departed for Zambia on the 8^th June 2011, a date that I now consider life changing. Throughout my six weeks in Zambia I made unbreakable bonds, witnessed enormous courage and observed incredible human spirit. Each day I watched communities’ alter and work together, taking a stand against social wrongs in order to ensure a better future. My time in Zambia was filled with indescribable laughter and many ‘defining moments’, but my first encounter with Go Sisters is by far the pinnacle. 

Egged on by the Edusport Office (where I spent most of my time involved in all things media) I was asked to attend a Go Sisters football training session. Unfamiliar with the project, the passionate Sharon Musdeke explained that Go Sisters was an initiative to empower young African girls. Bombarded with disturbing facts, such as if you are a girl in Zambia, you are four times more likely to become HIV positive than a boy, I soon realised the plight of the women involved. Challenging gender perceptions, I was told that the young women are taught skills including coaching, refereeing and sports leadership skills to ensure that they gain confidence and can become ‘inspiring leaders’. 

Without hesitation I agreed to attend my first Go Sisters football training session, coached by the outrageous Colin Stromsoy. Arriving at a dusty Zambian pitch, I was joined by thirteen other girls all eager to play. Upon meeting the young women, it immediately registered that the training session was much more than a game of football, it was a chance to socialise, laugh and bond with likeminded individuals. These girls were tough, and were ready to fight for what they believed. 

It goes without saying that my football skills were hideous that day, with my passing technique being likened to that of an inebriated ballerina (thanks Col). Despite being by far the weakest link in the chain (some of the natural ability was ridiculous), I was welcomed with open arms into the Go Sisters community. My lack of sporting ability was insignificant, what was important, was that I was taking part and understanding the discrimination that these girls (my friends) face every day. I was witnessing first hand how sport can bring a community together.  

Which brings me back to my original question, what does go sisters mean to me? 

I’m all too aware that Western girls and young women, whether it is at school or in the workplace, often shun their opportunities to take part in sport, frequently taking a backseat to their male counterparts. Go Sisters reminds me how lucky I am to live in a society where I am valued as an equal. But more than anything, Go Sisters makes me want to strive and fight for these women to have the same prospects, possibilities and future as myself. 

By Charmaine Jade Ayden

Go Sisters World Series Media Officer 

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