Empowering Women Through Football in Colombia

In Tumaco, on Colombia’s Pacific coast, many girls grow up surrounded by the impacts of armed conflict, poverty, narcotics-related violence, and deep social inequality. Opportunities for young women are often limited by traditional gender expectations, while safe community spaces remain scarce. Football pitches, like many public spaces, are frequently dominated by men and boys, leaving girls excluded from opportunities to participate, lead, and express themselves freely.

This project was created to change that reality.

Through football, psychosocial support, and peacebuilding education, the initiative is helping 60 girls and 21 parents and carers build confidence, resilience, and stronger support networks in one of Colombia’s most vulnerable regions. The programme combines technical football training with sessions focused on emotional wellbeing, self-protection, leadership, and gender equality, creating a space where girls can feel safe, empowered, and heard.

For many participants, the football field becomes much more than a place to play sport. It becomes a place to build friendships, process emotions, and imagine new possibilities for the future. Structured sports activities also help participants strengthen physical, tactical, and mental skills, while psychosocial sessions encourage critical thinking, empathy, teamwork, and emotional management.

The project also recognises that long-term change must involve families and communities. Alongside activities with the girls, parents and carers participate in psychosocial workshops that promote dialogue around gender equality, protection, and the importance of creating supportive environments for young women.

In a context where violence and exclusion often shape childhood experiences, sport can become a powerful tool for peace and social inclusion. By increasing the visibility and participation of girls in football, the initiative challenges harmful gender stereotypes and helps communities reimagine the role of young women in public and community life.

Over time, the project aims to create lasting change by supporting girls to become confident leaders and advocates within their communities. As participants grow in confidence and visibility, they become role models for other young women, helping to open doors for greater equality, participation, and opportunity for future generations.

From November 2024 to December 2025, the Football for Peace Tumaco project has been supporting girls and young women in Tumaco, Nariño, using sport as a powerful tool for protection, empowerment, and peacebuilding in a context deeply affected by violence, forced displacement, and the presence of illegal armed groups.

By combining psychosocial support, structured football training, and peace education, the project addresses both the emotional and social challenges faced by participants, while creating safe spaces for growth and connection.

Psychosocial Support and Family Involvement
As of October, 53 girls and young women, alongside 21 parents and carers, have taken part in psychosocial sessions designed to strengthen emotional wellbeing, self-protection strategies, and resilience. These sessions help participants navigate the impacts of violence while reinforcing protective environments within families and communities.

Football as a Tool for Inclusion and Confidence
Through regular football training, participants have developed teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills, while enjoying a safe and supportive environment. Girls have also participated in local football championships and received full football uniforms, promoting inclusion, visibility, and a sense of pride within their communities.

Creating Safe and Protective Spaces
In a region marked by instability, football has become much more than a game. It offers a safe space where children and young people can connect with peers, build confidence, and feel supported, key elements in preventing violence and empowering young women to imagine and pursue different futures.

Thank you for helping us use sport to build peace, strengthen protection, and support girls and young women in Tumaco.

Links:

• Read more about the project