Sports is unarguably a powerful tool for Sustainable Development Goals. Aside from its health benefits, it has the power to change lives and the ability to drive gender equality by teaching women and girls teamwork, self-reliance, resilience, and confidence.

Women’s participation in sports defies gender stereotypes and social norms, making inspiring role models, and showing that men and women are equals in and out of the sports circle.

To address gender inequality and educate girls through sport, FAME Foundation hosted its PLAY it DREAM it Football for Development Session for Internally Displaced Girls at the Durumi IDP Camp, Abuja, on July 22, 2020, with support from the French Development Agency.

This monthly activity which was held at Area 3 Football Pitch, Garki Abuja, had in attendance 157 Internally Displaced Girls ages, a sports coach, 2 FAME volunteers, and 5 FAME staff.

Participants engaged in fun-filled 15 minutes aerobics dance exercise led by Ms. Anna Mambula, Programme Manager, FAME Foundation, and Ms. Folake Oyebade, the Lead Volunteer and Community Mobilization Officer at FAME Foundation.

The participants of the Bootcamp also shared what they have learned since the commencement of the PLAY it DREAM it Project at their IDP camp.

“I have learned how to take care of my environment and body, especially during my menstrual periods. I now know that education is important for my future,” shared Hauwa David.

Mary Nuhu, one of the participants shared she has learned how to carry out basic first aid treatment and now knows that girls can play football too.

Following that were the 25 minutes of football drills and exercises conducted by Coach Segun. The football drills were carried out in groups according to the different age groups of the girls.

During the pep talk session, Coach Segun encouraged the girls to consider playing professionally if loved football. He further enlightened them on the advantages and prospects of playing sports and that their economic status, religion, or ethnicity is not a barrier to their participation in sports.

“As long as you have the desire for something, all you need is consistency and devotion to succeed,” he said to the girls.

Some of the girls inquired if playing football was a talent or not, and further clarifications were given to their questions