Premier Skills tackling violence against women in Africa

A new partnership between the Premier League, the Department for International Development and the British Council will use the Premier Skills project to tackle issues of violence against girls and women.

Launched in western Kenya, the new programme will provide training for 47 Kenyan football instructors and referees by Premier League coaches from Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.

The trainee coaches will receive the skills and support to run grassroots football activities in their communities, with a particular focus on working with young people to question the behaviours and attitudes that lead to high levels of violence against girls and women.

The £1.5 million pilot phase, which will be run through Premier Skills, will take place in Mount Elgon, where 45% of women report having experienced violence since the age 15 and more than a quarter within the last year. These are some of the highest rates in the country.
Participation in sport is seen as a powerful tool for addressing gender inequality, and by engaging boys and girls, men and women together through football, harmful social attitudes can be targeted and people can be empowered to speak out within their communities.

“Football’s international appeal gives it the unique ability to inspire change,” International Development Secretary Justine Greening said. “By working with boys and girls through football and developing their leadership skills we can empower them to have a stronger voice within their communities and stamp out abuse, discrimination and violence.

“No country can escape poverty or plan a more prosperous future when girls and women are denied the chance to reach their full potential. Equal access to education, health and decision making is key to boost growth, creating jobs and ending dependency on aid for good.”

Premier Skills has trained over 2,800 grassroots coaches and referees around the world, who in turn have worked with 585,000 young people. The project uses football to develop a brighter future for young people around the world, drawing upon the global appeal of the Premier League and its expertise in delivering community programmes in the UK, alongside the British Council’s global network and track record of delivery.