Project overview 

Girls United is a sport-based empowerment programme that uses football to support women and girls in Lesotho in a context marked by deep-rooted gender inequality and high prevalence of gender-based violence and HIV. The programme combines adapted football activities with education on sexual and reproductive health, legal rights, violence prevention and life skills. 
 
Designed and led by young women from Kick4Life’s women’s football team, Girls United creates safe spaces where participants can strengthen their confidence, knowledge and agency while engaging men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms. 

Project objectives 

• Strengthen girls’ and women’s knowledge of gender rights and build confidence to claim them.
• Improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention.
• Provide access to psychosocial, health and legal support services.
• Engage men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality. 

Sport and education component 

• Delivery of interactive football sessions using adapted rules.
• Integration of facilitated discussions on gender, health and rights.
• Organisation of mixed-gender tournaments promoting inclusion and dialogue. 

Support and referral pathways 

• Orientation of participants towards specialised health, protection and legal services.
• Monthly interventions by the Girls United support network.
• Individual progression plans linking participants to employment, education and sport opportunities. 

Target beneficiaries 

• Direct beneficiaries: approximately 600 women and young girls.
• Indirect beneficiaries: men, boys, families and local communities. 

Scale and expected impact 

• Increased self-efficacy and leadership among participants.
• Reduced exposure to gender-based violence and HIV risks.
• Improved access to health and protection services.
• Expanded livelihood and employment opportunities.