Ignite365 Award Recipient Spotlight: Q&A with Grass Skirt Project

September 6, 2024 

We recently announced the five inaugural recipients of the new annual Ignite365 Awards as part of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub—a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee, Beyond Sport and Women Win. Each of the five are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in unique ways and will receive an initial grant of $10,000 to support their projects. 

Today, meet Grass Skirt Project (GSP), which is tackling gender inequality and violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by pairing sport and gender justice. GSP not only helps to address the lack of sports and fitness infrastructures in PNG but also integrates health education, leadership training and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. Founded by Tahina Booth and Dr. Sofia Bartlett, the non-profit's mission is to empower one million leaders by 2050 through sports in the belief that cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership skills can create a stronger and more equitable PNG. 

We spoke to Managing Director and Founder, Tahina Booth about GSP’s founding and its Ignite365-winning "Gymbox" initiative, which transforms 20-foot shipping containers into mobile fitness spaces. These facilities provide accessible health and wellness services to underserved communities, with a particular focus on girls and women to address GBV and equality.

Sensitive content: Discussion of sexual violence and suicide.

As a survivor of trauma, how did sport play a role in your healing and lead to the creation of Grass Skirt Project?

As a child in PNG, I experienced a devastating trauma that shattered my sense of self and security. At just seven years old, I was raped by a family member - a tragically common occurrence in a country where 100% of women experience violence in their lifetime from a close relative or partner. In a culture of silence, where such traumas are often suppressed to avoid bringing shame to families, I struggled alone, dissociating as a coping mechanism. 

My healing journey began in my teen years following a suicide attempt. Through counseling, I started to rebuild my life, with sports as a constant source of strength and purpose. I discovered that physical activity offered a powerful means of reclaiming my body and voice. In my late 20s, I represented Australia in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting and PNG in Rugby League. 

My personal experience of healing through sports shaped my vision for GSP. I realized that while individual strength is crucial, a supportive community is equally essential for overcoming trauma and effecting change. This understanding became the cornerstone of GSP's mission – to use sports as a tool for empowering others, especially survivors of trauma and to build supportive communities that foster healing and growth. Through sports, we’re working to rewrite the narrative of an entire generation, proving that even in the face of daunting social challenges, positive change is possible. 

What are the challenges facing Papua New Guineans and how does GSP help address them?  

PNG faces profound challenges related to GBV and inequality with its alarmingly high rates of violence and sexual abuse against women and girls. The nation is ranked 160 out of 161 on the UN Gender Equality Index and a woman is beaten every 30 seconds. 

There is also limited access to health and wellness education and services. Over 50% of the population is under 25, 80% are pushed out of the school system and they are facing a 75% general unemployment rate. Additionally, there’s a lack of leadership opportunities and empowerment, especially for women and girls.

GSP offers an innovative approach to addressing these issues. By leveraging the universal appeal of sports, we have created safe spaces for individuals to rebuild their confidence, develop leadership skills and challenge harmful gender norms – offering hope and a path forward. 

What is Gymbox and how are you using it to address GBV? 

Gymbox involves transforming second-hand shipping containers into gym facilities, providing a safe space for physical activity and sport, health education and community interaction. It is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly creation in a community with limited resources that uses a holistic and innovative community development approach suited to unique challenges in PNG.

The initiative engages youth, 49% being unemployed boys under 18, and provides them with healthy activities and an alternative to negative behaviors. We need a cultural shift to prevent GBV; therefore, the initiative emphasizes this by engaging men and boys in discussions about gender equality and GBV prevention.

Gymbox is integrated with our 10 Million Strong Leadership (10MS) Program, which uses sport to educate youth on gender equality and leadership, aiming to transform societal attitudes towards GBV. 

It is supported by various partners, including local leaders and organizations, to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability. The involvement of respected figures like church elders helps reinforce the program's legitimacy within communities. The first Gymbox prototype was created by acquiring second-hand shipping containers in Port Moresby and working with a local contractor to fit them out according to the program's needs. This process was a learning experience, leading to a new design for future prototypes. 

What’s the future of Gymbox? 

Over the past four years, Gymbox has demonstrated its effectiveness. The evidence gathered from existing units shows increased physical activity levels, improved health awareness and enhanced community engagement, particularly among youth and women. 

We’re planning to expand the Gymbox program by constructing new units in schools and churches across PNG. This strategic placement will allow Gymbox to integrate seamlessly with educational institutions and community centers, maximizing its reach and impact. The long-term vision is to continue to use Gymbox as a multifaceted hub combining physical fitness facilities with spaces for workshops, health screenings, and community gatherings.

How will the Olympism365 Innovation Hub help boost your impact? 

This recognition not only provides crucial funding but also amplifies our voice on a global stage, opening doors to new partnerships and resources. Our story is rooted in the harsh realities of PNG, where violence against women and children is alarmingly common. As an athlete, mother, sister and survivor, I've experienced firsthand the devastating impact of this violence. But I refuse to accept this as our children's future. GSP was born from the conviction that we must take action now to create lasting change. 

The Ignite365 grant will fund our new prototype Gymbox, a cornerstone of our strategy to engage perpetrators of violence in prevention programs. Our Gymbox and 10MS program initiatives uniquely combine physical fitness with education on gender equality, leadership and non-violence. We're reaching those who need to hear this message most, in spaces where they're receptive to change. 

But to truly transform PNG, we need to scale our programs to rural communities and islands. We're calling on international partners to join us in this crucial mission – to help us raise $495,000 so that we can expand our Gymbox and 10 MS programs to reach thousands more potential change-makers. 

Stay tuned to hear from the other Award recipients over the coming weeks!