Play for Equality
Play for Equality is promoting gender equality in Ukrainian sports from a young age
In Ukraine, girls' participation in sports has long been hindered by gender stereotypes, and the ongoing war, which affects children’s motivation and well-being, also has an impact. To address this issue, the UEFA Foundation for Children and Klitschko Foundation launched the Play for Equality project to combat gender inequality in sports by focusing on those who can make the most impact: physical education teachers and their female pupils.
Play for Equality is a multistage project that takes a comprehensive approach. The project began with a 21-day online training programme for 150 PE teachers from across Ukraine, where they learned about gender equality in sports. These teachers then implemented local sports projects, engaging around 14,000 children in various physical activities. To continue to foster an inclusive sports environment, the teachers received sets of sports equipment.
Following these initial efforts, 20 standout participants were selected for the second stage of the project: five days of learning and sports training at the Ruh Football Academy. This session delivered deeper, introducing PE teachers to a gender-sensitive approach to physical education. The participants learned how to address the different physical and psychological needs of children. Workshops and sessions were led by current and former representatives of the Volleyball Federation of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Football Association, the Handball Federation of Ukraine, the Cheerleading Federation of Ukraine, and the Field Hockey Federation of Ukraine, all supported by the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The teachers returned to their schools not just with new insights but with a renewed understanding that sport is for everyone, whatever their age, gender, fitness level, or access to equipment. The Play for Equality project is more than just a training programme; it is a movement to ensure that every child in Ukraine can experience the joy and benefits of sport on an equal footing.
Additional information on the project: here
For many girls, physical education classes are often their first experience of unequal treatment, which consequently reduces their interest in sports. We implemented the Play for Equality project because we strive to change this. Together with the UEFA Foundation for Children, we have been creating projects for six years to ensure equal opportunities for student development, regardless of gender, place of residence, or financial resources.”
- Angelina Osadcha, Director of the Klitschko Foundation