Hawa Feminist Coalition officially launched “Girls Play for Change,” a transformative sport-for-development initiative designed to empower displaced and marginalized girls, promote gender equality, and create safe spaces for girls in Bosaso, Puntland, Somalia. The launch event was held in Garowe on February 20, 2026, and brought together diverse stakeholders, including female players, coaches, and government officials.
The project, supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children, will directly reach 300 displaced and marginalized girls through football, mentorship, psychosocial support, and life-skills training. The initiative recognizes sport as a powerful tool for protection, inclusion, healing, confidence-building, and leadership development.
Through “Girls Play for Change,” Hawa Feminist Coalition will organize weekly football and mentorship sessions, train young women as coaches and community leaders, create safe play spaces in IDP communities, and raise awareness on girls’ rights, health, protection, and gender equality.
Speaking during the launch event held in Garowe, Ms. Marian Hussein, Executive Director of Hawa Feminist Coalition, emphasized that the project is more than a sports project. She described it as a tool for girls to build confidence, strengthen resilience, access supportive networks, and challenge harmful social norms that limit their participation, leadership, and opportunities.
In many displaced and marginalized communities, girls continue to face barriers including insecurity, limited recreational spaces, gender stereotypes, poverty, and restricted access to safe and supportive environments. “Girls Play for Change” responds to these challenges by using football as an entry point to promote protection, dignity, inclusion, and empowerment.
The project will also support young women coaches and mentors to become role models for girls in their communities. By investing in local women’s leadership, the project aims to create lasting change and strengthen community-based support systems for girls.
Hawa Feminist Coalition believes that every girl deserves the opportunity to play, learn, lead, and thrive in a safe environment. Through this project, the organization is building a future where girls are protected, confident, visible, and able to lead change in their communities.
As the project begins in Bosaso, Hawa Feminist Coalition will continue sharing stories, milestones, and impact from the field, highlighting the courage, leadership, and achievements of the girls participating in the program.
Girls Play for Change is more than sport — it is about protection, inclusion, empowerment, and building a safer future for girls in Somalia.
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