ince 2016, the country has been threatened by the toxic nature of negative masculinities which has manifested through armed conflict. Men have exerted their power in the most violent manner, resulting in almost 1 million persons internally displaced according to a 2019 OCHA report; 279 being refugees in neighbouring countries such as Nigeria, and almost 4.3 million persons in need of humanitarian assistance and need. The brutal armed conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths of men and boys especially the youth from the english speaking region, northwest and south west and women and girls abused and violated in some of the most indemnifying and derogatory manner. With fear and insecurity plaquing the entire public.
SDGsFootVacance Tournament 2020
In an effort to raise awareness around the consequences of toxic masculinities as well as the impact war has on the attainment of the agenda 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs), we launch in May 2019, the holidays program called #SDGsFootVacancesSDGs Foot Vacances . An awareness raising initiative which aims at using football to increase community awareness about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as public understanding around the concepts of social cohesion, no violence, tolerance, justice, feminisms, positive masculinity and gender equality.
The #SDGsFootVacances initiative is designed under the backdrop that sports contributions to well-being regardless of age, gender or ethnicity is enjoyed by all, and its reach is unrivalled. For instance, in 2015, the World Taekwondo Federation established the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation that seeks to use martial arts as a tool in contributing towards a lasting solution for the humanitarian crisis, especially the wellbeing of refugees and internally displaced persons, women and men. Such initiatives raises awareness about the plight of young refugees and are fully in harmony with the SDGs, particularly with regard to health (Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages).
SDGsFootVacances Impacts in the community
SDGsFootVacances Tournament 2019
Through this program over 1000 youths, women and men were sensitized about agenda 2030 and became more aware about the concepts of masculinities, as well as their roles in fostering their achievement through mutual respect and partnership.
The program also challenged the typical gender stereotype about football being just a boys game, with the participation of 30 of the 100 players being girls competing equally in the 3 months football league. Over 2000 persons and community leaders across the community awareness were increased, many of whom have now become more aware and conscious of gender-based violence. 3 of the young boys who participated in the program initially had dropped out of schools but after participating at the SGDsFootVacances, they decided to enrol back to school to continue their education. Other observable outcomes have been the development of greater bond build between community leaders and youths in the community, thus a cordial intergenerational collaboration. Observed behavioural change and positive attitude towards community and young people as many have developed the skills and right attitude to be tolerant and non violent even when they disagree with other views and opinions. Note that football is one game that has disciplines and principles and throughout the 3months players were encouraged to understand their temperament , manage their anger and be willing to discuss in a most respectful way when disagreeing with others.
The impacts have been enormous as the young people impacted are leading changes in their communities working for the goals through organizing weekly gatherings, sanitation outreaches and community peacebuilding initiatives.
This article is extracted from Women for a Change, Cameroon 2019 annual report.
