Zote (Swahili for all) project
This project's parent organization is The Coexist Initiative
It operates in Kenya
It uses Football (Soccer), Volleyball, Athletics
Entered the Sport For Social Inclusion Award
More about Zote (Swahili for all) project
Sports have encouraged a very distinct separation between males and females in the African society thus catapulting gender disparity and even violence. The idea of sports has always had a masculine viewpoint. It has been seen as unladylike for women to participate in certain sports, let alone those that are primarily male dominated. For too long, girls and women have been discouraged from playing sports by a succession of almost desperate myths and stereotypes.
These myths and stereotypes have arisen from lack of knowledge, fear of the unknown and the desire of many men to keep the "heady" and powerful cultural institution of sports for themselves. Some of the stereotypes extended include If she plays sports, she will become "mannish" and "unfeminine".
If she plays sports, she will develop an eating disorder. Because of her anatomical structure, she will suffer more knee injuries in competitive athletics. If she trains too hard, her ovaries and bladder will drop. The socialization process by which individuals learn gender roles is life-long although the early years are very formative. The resulting sex-role stereotyping has a profound impact on female participation in, and attitudes toward, physical activity and sport.