Football for Freedom,Unity and Solidarity

Child marriage still remains prevalent in rural Rajasthan. Ajmer district, in particular, grapples with child marriage rates of 21.1%, higher than the state average of 16.2%. This practice confines girls to their homes, perpetuating gender inequality and limiting opportunities. Around 20% of child marriages occur in lower socio-economic marginalized rural households.

Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti (MJAS) recognized that this practice infringes on girls’  fundamental rights, limits their freedom and choice, and hinders their physical, mental, and emotional development. It traps them in a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and poor health, with early marriages often leading to early motherhood and its associated risks in already marginalized rural communities.

MJAS launched the Football for Freedom, Unity & Solidarity program in 2016 to address child marriage and empower girls through sports. The program aims to provide safe spaces for play and freedom of movement. By engaging in football, girls could reclaim their childhoods and experience the joy of play, while also having reasons to step outside of their homes.

 Challenges and Initial Resistance

The initiative faced community resistance due to football being perceived as a male sport. Concerns about girls’ physical safety and marriageability were common obstacles.

Program Implementation and Growth

MJAS collaborated with the Department of Education to introduce football as a gender-neutral sport in government schools. The program has expanded to 11 villages across 4 districts, reaching 490 girls in Central Rajasthan.

This persuasion led schools to allot grounds, sparking a wave of community action as villagers came together to prepare the football fields through “shramdaan”. Today, these fields are not just playing spaces but sacred grounds where girls celebrate their freedom and light diyas on Diwali.

 Impact of the Program

Football has become a symbol of freedom and empowerment for participating girls. The program has led to increased education continuation, career aspirations in sports, and community transformation. It has also successfully included married girls, challenging traditional marital roles.

They are no longer just playing football; they are leading their teams, representing their communities, and even competing at national and representing on global platforms. First year of Gramin olympics alone, 16 teams participated in tournaments (U14, U12, U17, and 17+), igniting a spirit of rural Olympics in the villages.

Notable achievements:

– Patel Stadium, Ajmer Opening with 11 all Girls Teams Football match. 

– Engaged Municipal Corporation, District and State Sports Authority to give platform to Girls Talent.

– “Football Changed my Life” – Movie by Krishan in Digital Sakhi – Badlav ki Awaaz

Digital Literacy Integration

MJAS combines sports training with digital literacy education, preparing girls for the challenges of the 21st century both on and off the field.  Through workshops, training sessions, and access to digital resources, MJAS provides girls with the tools they need to become digitally literate and informed citizens.

 MJAS Model of Football for Freedom Unity and Solidarity

The program includes regular training, camps, tournaments, health check-ups, reproductive health awareness, life skills training, and leadership building. It also offers opportunities for girls to become licensed coaches and referees.

 Project Impact and Reach

The Football for Freedom, Unity & Solidarity program has made significant strides in empowering girls across rural Rajasthan:

• The initiative covers 11 villages in 9 Gram Panchayats of Ajmer District, reaching 490 girls.
• Demographics: The program primarily reaches adolescent girls and young women in age groups U14, U12, U17, and 17+
• Impact on Child Marriage: The program addresses the high child marriage rates in Ajmer district (21.1%, higher than the state average of 16.2%)
• Participant Status: 40% of the girls under the program are either married or engaged, showcasing the initiative’s reach to those most affected by early marriage
• Socio-economic Impact: The program targets lower socio-economic marginalized rural households, where around 20% of child marriages occure

These statistics demonstrate the program’s significant reach and its focus on the most vulnerable populations in the region. By targeting areas with high child marriage rates and including both unmarried and married girls, the initiative is working to break the cycle of gender inequality and limited opportunities in these communities.