Commemorating November 25th: South America Joins Efforts to Prevent Gender-Based Violence Through Sports

An important step in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) was taken at a meeting of the South American Sports Council (CONSUDE) in Colombia in commemoration of 25 November, 2024 - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In the midst of discussions that saw Chile re-elected as the Council's president, an innovative new tool was launched that aims to use school sport to meaningfully address GBV.

Developed in collaboration between CONSUDE and German cooperation agencies, including the Sport for Development (S4D) programme and PazDiversa, the tool aims to reshape the way school sport works across the region. By addressing harmful stereotypes, introducing key concepts, and providing practical exercises, it empowers coaches to create safer, more inclusive environments. Two pilot workshops in Colombia played a key role in shaping the tool to ensure its practical relevance.

Designed specifically for coaches, the resource offers them strategies to prevent and respond to GBV. It also includes a detailed compilation of relevant regulations, providing a solid foundation for addressing these issues in the context of school sport.

Looking ahead, the project will also introduce an action protocol for GBV cases during the annual CONSUDE School Games, an event that brings together more than 2,000 young athletes from across the region. A virtual launch of the tool is planned for March 2025, to coincide with International Women's Month, and will be hosted on the S4D platform to ensure wide accessibility.

This initiative has the potential to make a significant impact, particularly given the scale of school-age youth in Latin America - UNICEF estimates there are nearly 180 million. By empowering coaches and transforming sport programmes, this tool could redefine how schools approach gender equality and safety.

As its official launch approaches, this project represents an important step towards creating a safer and more equitable environment in school sport across Latin America and beyond.

by Maria-José Muñoz C. - photo credits: Ministerio del Deporte, Colombia