"Football for all! Chance for diversity - change with diversity
Funding: German Football Association [DFB - Deutscher Fußball-Bund]
Forschende Institution: Technical University of Munich | Sociology of Diversity
Projektleitung:
Sociology of Diversity Chair
Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Wacker
Uptown München-Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 München
Tel.: +49 (89) 289 - 24460
Fax: +49 (89) 289 - 24463
E-Mail: elisabeth.wacker(at)tum.de
Cooperation with:
Pwani Universtiy (Kenya)
Duration: 2013-2014
Project staff: Dipl. Reha. Päd. Stefanie Frings, M.A. Stefan Schmidt
Project background:
- From its very foundation, both the staff and the students of Pwani University have proven their commitment to the further development of their town Kilifi and their country – a fact reflected in the motto of the university: “Empowerment for Sustainable Development”. Indeed, students as “change agents” are sustainably active in the context of projects (outreach programmes) that cover very diverse issues and assignments in Kenya’s coastal region. Until recently, the main aims of these projects was to strengthen environmental consciousness, to establish preventive measures against violence, to foster health and, more specifically, to involve disadvantaged groups of persons in the field of education. As the age-old proverb states, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Similarly, from the very beginning, students expressed their wish to harness sport and its driving power as a mediator between cultural differences and unequal conditions of life. Indeed, those norms, values and traditions that create social inequality can be questioned by sport-promoted fairness, discipline, respect as well as acceptance of difference, not to mention talent fostering. As in many other countries, football in Kenya is so popular that it has a great innovative potential. It can thus contribute to more equal opportunities in the development of children, young girls and women. However, there is no “women in team sports” tradition so prejudice is rife when girls and young women strive to share a common sport and experience their strength in a competitive setting. Hence, until now, no progressive training or competition structures have been available for these groups. In this context, “Not yet done” replaced “I will do it” (Kikuyu). Now, through the generous equipment donation bestowed by the German Football Association (DFB), a clear sign has been given that just like cultural barriers, inadequate financial resources can also be overcome. The impact of the sign may actually have more to do with the globally valued “DFB” label than with the actual football shirts. Indeed, this symbolises the appreciation or even the privileging of women as football players and the growing acceptance of a previously discriminated group. Hence, thanks to the DFB’s commitment, not only can girls and young women concretely experience the fascination of football, they can also increase their chances of being recognised by and participating in society.
Aims:
- Fostering and claiming diversity through football – a practical project based on the example of girls' football in Kilifi (girl emPOWERment)
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