Location and general information
Access to Sport - 
Gender Equality - 
Healthy lifestyle - 
Personal developmentContext
In Portugal and Cabo Verde, girls from vulnerable communities face persistent socio-economic challenges and gender-related barriers that limit their access to education, sport, and opportunities for personal development. In urban areas, poverty, family instability and social exclusion are widespread, while safe, inclusive spaces for girls are scarce. This is reflected in the development of women’s football; participation rates are nine times lower than in the men’s game, and girls often give up the sport because of cultural prejudice and a lack of suitable training opportunities. There is an urgent need for initiatives to promote equality, empower vulnerable girls and encourage long-term social change.
Project goals
Our overarching mission is to get more girls from vulnerable communities taking part in sport and to give them more opportunities for personal development.
Our specific objectives are:
- to increase girls’ participation in football and reduce dropout rates;
- to foster leadership, inclusion and empowerment;
- to enhance girls’ social and emotional skills and build their confidence;
- to develop menstrual literacy and create safe spaces for discussions on health, equality and well-being;
- to build support networks by engaging families and communities.
Project content
The project uses football as a tool for social change. It incorporates the inclusive training methods specifically tailored to female athletes, combined with educational initiatives designed to promote menstrual literacy.
SISH runs social and educational events designed to engage the community and build capacity. As well as empowering coaches and future leaders, the project also creates safe spaces where girls can play football, which helps them develop their leadership skills and self-esteem.
The project is delivered in three ways:
- Training sessions are held twice a week and focus on developing technical, physical, social and emotional skills.
- Monthly workshops are open to participants in the programme and to the community more widely. They promote leadership, equality, menstrual dignity, good health and general well-being.
- Quarterly community events bring together groups from different areas. They strengthen community bonds, raise awareness of the project, and give people from a variety of backgrounds the chance to socialise together.
Partner
