Ritah Niwarimpa
Shifting away from stereotypical beliefs surrounding female participation in sports, school girls across the country are making significant strides in several sports disciplines, proving that the field is no longer the exclusive domain of boys.
From football pitches to volleyball courts, these young athletes are showcasing their strength, discipline, and passion for a field long thought to be male-dominated.
At Kinawa High School, Mugongo main campus, a school renowned for its academic excellence and co-curricular activities, volleyball is a particular area where girls are encouraged to outdo their male counterparts. According to Atimago Gladys, a senior three student, actively representing her school in volleyball, participating in sports has been a game-changer. “My parents no longer worry about school fees because I acquired a sponsorship through volleyball,” she reveals, adding that the exposure she’s gained has been invaluable. “I’ve visited many places and rubbed shoulders with high-profile people, which has broadened my horizons.”
However, not all experiences have been smooth sailing. Bilabwa Racheal, a senior five student, faces challenges from her peers. “Many male students call me a tomboy because I participate in sports, and even girls criticize me for dressing indecently because of my sports attire,” she says. Despite these obstacles, Racheal remains determined to pursue her passion for sports while balancing her academic responsibilities. “It’s a bit challenging to balance both, but I try to stay focused.”
Otimu Emmanuel, the volleyball coach at Kinawa High School, acknowledges the unique challenges of training female children in sports. “Training a girl child in sports, especially volleyball, is such a challenge,” he notes. “But all in all, patience must be exercised because they are girls, and consistency must be observed; they are only comfortable pressing to their potential if they trust and believe in you.”
As these young athletes continue to break counter barriers and defy stereotypes, they inspire many of their colleagues. Achieng Jacline, a Primary 5 pupil at Airforce Primary School, says, seeing her sister play football at secondary level has given her courage to follow suit.
By participating in sports, these girls are not only winning trophies but also gaining respect, recognition, scholarships, sponsorships, and a more inclusive future.
The Ministry of Education and Sports, through its Gender Unit, has been a pioneer in promoting gender equality in Uganda’s education sector since the 1990s. This effort extends to sports, where various organizations are emerging to support girls’ participation.
One such organization is Women in Football Uganda (WIFU), a non-profit dedicated to advancing women’s football. Established in November 2021, WIFU is spearheading the growth of women’s football in Mukono district under the leadership of five directors.
Their mission is to empower young girls through sports, fostering a more inclusive environment for female athletes. By encouraging girls to participate in sports, WIFU and similar organizations are helping to break down barriers and promote gender equality in Uganda.
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