Although the concept of using sport as a strategy to empower girls has gained international momentum, there is an absence of any code that enshrines norms of good practices to ensure “safe spaces” in sport for development.
Moreover, as the number of programs in this area increases, there is an urgent need for zero tolerance of harmful practices—such as sexual harassment, gender inequality and discrimination—that have unfortunately become a recognised reality and social problem in sport. Any well-designed sport programme that truly takes into consideration the emotional and physical safety of its female participants must create and implement a code of conduct that guides behaviours, processes and procedures that ensure girls are protected.
For more information on making your sport programme a safe space, as well as information on ways to create child protection policies and procedures, please see the Safe Space section in this guide.