EmpowerHER: Bridging Gaps and Creating Leaders Through Sports

In the heart of rural Armenia, adolescent girls face a distinct lack of support, navigating challenges without tailored programs. Studies reveal a glaring absence of initiatives addressing their unique needs, particularly in areas of education, hygiene, and healthy lifestyle practices. These gaps contribute to a broader gender disparity highlighted by the World Bank, emphasizing the necessity of interventions to empower girls. GOALS responds to this need with its transformative initiative, EmpowerHER, using sports as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and societal change.

Immediate Impact, Lasting Transformation

The Sports Caravan, a pivotal component of EmpowerHER, has both short-term and long-term objectives. In the short term, the focus is on immediate impact—educational workshops provide life skills and leadership training, while purposeful play activities challenge gender stereotypes, fostering confidence through football. The distribution of sports bras not only addresses practical needs but also symbolizes empowerment. Safe spaces are created, ensuring the girls feel supported and valued.

A Sustainable Legacy of Empowerment

Looking ahead, EmpowerHER has a long-term vision: cultivating a sustainable girls’ football culture in Armenia. It aims to be a catalyst for broader community transformation, advocating for gender equality in sports and inspiring shifts in societal perceptions. Ultimately, the initiative strives to contribute to the physical health, well-being, and empowerment of girls, leaving a lasting positive impact on communities.

The Journey Unfolds: Curriculum, Caravans, and Reporting

The project unfolds through a series of impactful day-long events, reaching 11 teams across Armenia. Educational workshops cover vital themes such as gender empowerment, sports equity, health, and hygiene. Purposeful play activities instill values of teamwork and fair play. The project includes the distribution of sports bras, addressing not just a functional need but symbolizing empowerment.

Challenges and Collaborations

Breaking traditional norms in sports is an ongoing challenge. Recognition for sports as a tool for empowerment is vital, emphasizing the importance of inclusive sports programs and challenging stereotypes associated with girls' participation in traditionally male-dominated sports.

GOALS is implementing EmpowerHer project funded by Women’s Fund of Armenia.