Low participation

When you work within sport and development, you need to be aware that gender always plays a role in such projects, whether you like it or not. Participation in sports activities by girls and women often cannot be taken for granted; the reverse is sooner the case. Norms and values anchored in all facets of society will often act as a barrier to participation. And this surely applies to sport. 'Sport is 'masculine'; women are expected to focus their energy on hearth and home'. This is the prevailing opinion, especially in Islamic communities. If this is not taken into account in setting up programmes and projects, the participation level of women will be low.

Clear and realistic objectives

However, going to great lengths to recruit women for projects without having a well-thought out strategy is certainly not recommended either. Because it can break down patterns, many unwanted side effects might occur. Such projects can only be successful if - during their definition phase - consideration is given to the significance ascribed in the local context to gender and its relationship to sport. Moreover, clear and realistic objectives must be formulated in relation to gender equality.

Experience from MYSA

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"The first approach taken by MYSA was a gender programme aimed entirely at girls. There were no activities directed at the immediate environment: boys who were already taking part in MYSA programmes, the girls' families. After an initial success, this led to a drop in participation. Girls stopped attending because their environment criticized their behaviour. In the past few years, a renewed approach has widened the focus of the gender programme to include not only girls but also influencing and involving boys and parents. It is essential to give consideration to the hours at which girls are available for playing sports, and not to compete with their 'hours of work' for the family. This is definitely an obstacle for girls to take part in sport. Thanks to these measures, we have been able to ensure the long-lasting participation of girls." (Johan van Geijn, KNVB)