OVERVIEW

The project “Pour Elles: Sport and Culture” is an initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, in partnership with the Congolese State. The programme is carried out in the Democratic Republic of Congo, primarily in Kinshasa, and aims to improve the quality of life and the physical and mental well-being of young girls by expanding their access to safe, inclusive and adapted sports and cultural practices. This initiative responds to major socio-cultural barriers, gender stereotypes and gender-based violence that limit girls’ participation in public spaces and structured activities.

The project promotes sport and culture as drivers of gender equality, social cohesion and youth empowerment. It supports the creation of safe environments, strengthens local actors’ capacities and rehabilitates infrastructures to ensure that girls’ needs are fully integrated across sports and cultural ecosystems.

FOUR COMPLEMENTARY PILLARS FOR SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

• Rehabilitation and Development of Sports and Cultural Infrastructures: the programme rehabilitates and equips cultural training centres and community sports and cultural facilities, ensuring their accessibility, safety and inclusiveness for girls.
• Capacity Building for Local Actors: the project strengthens the skills of key actors involved in sports, cultural activities, youth protection and gender equality. Expertise France leads training cycles for associations, educators and cultural and sports staff.
• Gender Equality and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence: the programme raises awareness among communities and trains stakeholders on gender equality, the fight against gender-based violence, and the deconstruction of stereotypes impacting girls’ participation.
• Community Engagement and Support Structures: local committees and community-based management groups are developed to support the governance, maintenance and safe use of rehabilitated spaces.

KEY DATES

The project began on January 1, 2024 and will run until January 1, 2028.

PROGRAMME PARTNERS

French Development Agency (AFD)

AFD is the financial partner of the programme, supporting gender equality, youth empowerment, safety and access to inclusive cultural and sports practices.

Expertise France

Expertise France is the implementing agency responsible for operational coordination, capacity building, stakeholder mobilisation and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Congolese State

The Congolese State is the institutional beneficiary and contributes to the governance, facilitation and sustainability of rehabilitated infrastructures and community initiatives.