Sure Start

More about Sure Start

Sure Start uses the unconventional sport of karate to tackle issues of gender discrimination and gender based violence against girls, particularly early child and forced marriage. In order to address this issue effectively, project beneficiaries have to break gender barriers by engaging in non-traditional gender roles. Excelling at sports is a non-threatening way for girls to start thinking about their roles outside the norm. Karate goes beyond traditional girls’ sports like netball. It forces girls out of their comfort zones and to draw attention to themselves and gives them a platform to not only address issues that affect them but also for the community to look at them differently, as possible contenders and contributors to the wellbeing of the community. This helps girls think critically about the role they have to play in their communities. Because girls come into their own and start seeing their value as girls and find validation in themselves without necessarily being married, they are then more likely to aspire to be something more. This new-found ambition encourages girls to stay in school and for parents to support them attain an education.