FAME Foundation at the Safe Sport International Conference 2026

FAME Foundation took part in the Safe Sport International Conference 2026, held at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, from 25–27 May 2026. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, safeguarding practitioners, athletes, and sport-for-development organizations working on athlete wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion, and accountability in sport. For the first time, the conference was hosted on the African continent, opening space for African experiences and leadership to shape global conversations on safe sport.

The conference was structured across three thematic days. Day 1 (Research Day) focused on international research on athlete rights, child protection, and emerging data shaping the next phase of safe sport policy. Day 2 (Africa Day) highlighted African-led safeguarding progress, continental collaboration, and locally grounded systems, with contributions from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and South African sports leaders. Day 3 (Global Vision Day) explored international action points, safeguarding readiness, accountability, and practical implementation within sports governance systems.

Day 2 (Africa Day) provided the platform for FAME Foundation’s contribution.

FAME Foundation was represented by Arabinrin Aderonke, Founder and Executive Director; Kemisola Ibitoye, Director of Programs; and Inyene Idiong, Program Manager, PLAY it DREAM it.

Arabinrin Aderonke participated as a speaker in the session titled Tackling Gender-Based Violence in and through Sport, where she shared FAME Foundation’s experiences and community-based approaches to addressing safeguarding challenges affecting girls and women in sport. Her presentation focused on the realities of gender-based violence within sporting environments and the role sport can play in preventing violence and advancing gender equality.

She began by acknowledging sport as a powerful tool for empowerment, opportunity, and personal development, while noting that many women and girls continue to experience violence, harassment, abuse, and discrimination within sporting spaces. Sport does not exist separately from society; harmful social norms, gender inequalities, and violence present in communities often find their way into sports environments.

Using global and Nigerian statistics, she drew attention to the prevalence of violence against girls and women and the need for urgent action. Findings from FAME Foundation’s 2025 Safe Sport for Girls research were also referenced, revealing systemic vulnerabilities within sporting structures and highlighting gaps in safeguarding systems for female athletes.

The presentation identified several barriers that continue to expose girls and women to harm in sport, including:

• Power imbalances between athletes and coaches, officials, and administrators.
• Fear of retaliation and victim-blaming.
• Social stigma associated with reporting abuse.
• Lack of trusted and confidential reporting mechanisms.
• The normalisation of harmful behaviours under the guise of discipline or performance.

Arabinrin Aderonke stressed that safeguarding policies alone are not enough unless they are implemented effectively and supported by clear accountability mechanisms.

Key recommendations from the presentation included:

• Establishing and enforcing comprehensive safeguarding policies.
• Creating confidential and independent reporting systems.
• Providing regular safeguarding and ethics training for coaches and sports officials.
• Holding perpetrators accountable through transparent disciplinary processes.
• Prioritising athlete welfare and protection at all levels of sport.

The presentation also explored how sport can serve as a tool to prevent gender-based violence and promote positive social change. Examples from FAME Foundation’s PLAY it DREAM it initiative demonstrated how football and life skills education can build awareness, challenge harmful gender norms, promote respect and equality, and create safe spaces where girls can develop confidence and leadership skills.

Arabinrin Aderonke’s central message throughout the presentation was that sport should not only be free from violence but should actively contribute to changing attitudes and behaviours that enable violence within communities.

The session Tackling Gender-Based Violence in and through Sport was moderated by Dorcas Amakobe (MTGK) and featured Arabinrin Aderonke (FAME Foundation, Nigeria), Kaeli Baugaard (Safe-Hub Global), and Desiree Jason (Department of Social Development) as panel speakers.

The session provided space to examine gender-based violence from different perspectives, including safeguarding, social development, and community-based sport programs. Conversations focused on creating sporting environments where women and girls are protected from harm, have access to support systems, and can participate fully and safely.

Arabinrin Aderonke shared insights from FAME Foundation’s work in Nigeria, highlighting sport as a platform for prevention, education, empowerment, and social change. Her contribution reinforced the need for stronger safeguarding measures, increased awareness, and collective action to address gender-based violence within sport and in wider communities.

Safeguarding was discussed as a core responsibility within sport governance, leadership, and organisational culture rather than a standalone policy requirement.

Attention was drawn to the gap between safeguarding policies and implementation, with emphasis on the need for systems that provide meaningful protection and support for athletes in practice.

The conference highlighted African leadership in safe sport and the importance of context-specific approaches that reflect local realities while aligning with global safeguarding standards.

Collaboration was emphasized as essential, with governments, sports bodies, civil society organizations, researchers, coaches, and athletes all playing a role in creating safer sporting environments.

Participation in the conference reinforced FAME Foundation’s commitment to using sport as a tool for empowerment, protection, and social change. The discussions validated ongoing efforts to create safe spaces for women and girls through programs such as PLAY it DREAM it and strengthened commitment to safeguarding across all areas of programming.

The conference also provided opportunities to exchange knowledge, learn from global best practices, build partnerships, and contribute Nigerian and African perspectives to international safeguarding discussions.

FAME Foundation’s participation in the Safe Sport International Conference 2026 demonstrated its continued work in promoting safe, inclusive, and empowering sporting environments for women and girls.

Through her presentation on Tackling Gender-Based Violence in and through Sport, Arabinrin Aderonke highlighted both the challenges facing women and girls in sport and the role sport can play in prevention, protection, and social transformation.

The conference reinforced that sport achieves its full potential only when safety, dignity, inclusion, and protection are guaranteed for every participant.

The Safe Sport International Global Conference 2026 was hosted by Safe Sport International in partnership with the Sport for Social Change Network Africa, the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), and the University of Cape Town.