Equity in Sports

Last February when I delivered Impact uniforms and basketballs to three rural schools in Kenya and Uganda I was surprised when time after time the teachers or male leaders of the village called over the boys and handed out the uniforms.  As a former, Status of Women Chairperson, and as the daughter of a strong-willed woman, I was dismayed that the girls were not included.  Each time such action was met by my strong statement that, "Girls can play basketball too!"

Much to my delight, this message was well received at the St. Catherine's school in Ramula, Kenya and in addition to the current boys' team, the teacher/coach at the school, Donald Mark, is committed to developing a girls team too.  He has promised that they will be ready next season and interest amongst the girls is already growing.  This picture of Valary, the team captain is clear evidence that my message was heard.  This is exciting from an equity position but also because it gives girls one more reason to want to be in school.  According to a report by the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative the benefits of keeping girls in school extends beyond personal welfare and development.  Benefits include:

" educated women are more likely to seek medical care for themselves and their families, immunize their children, and provide proper nutrition and sanitation at home. These practices will reduce both child and maternal mortality and ensure healthier and well-nourished families and communities.

Second, educated women are more likely to stay in school longer, which will delay when and how many children they have. It is estimated that one year of female schooling would reduce fertility by ten percent. Because educated women get pregnant later in life, their babies will be healthier, and they will know how to properly care for them.

Third, educated women are more knowledgeable, and therefore, will have a better grasp on their domestic role and share household duties more evenly with their spouse. They will have access to higher-paying jobs, which will impact their families’ finances as well as contribute to their national economy. They are also more likely to participate in political and social decision-making.

Lastly, educated women are less likely to be vulnerable toward sexual abuse or exploitation, which will protect them against sexually-transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS.

All of these occurrences are imperative to global development, and they can be accomplished by educating girls.

An educated mother is more likely to have educated children, both boys and girls, which help ensures that universal education and gender equality will continue on through the generations."

Valary says, "Yes, girls can do basketball too!"