Encouraging Girls to Pursue Sports

Summary

Innovation : To encourage girls to pursue sports as a career by providing them with a platform to showcase their talents

Duration : Annually

Location : North Sikkim, Sikkim

Key Stakeholders : Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Sports Associations, NHPC Hydro Power Project, Adolescent Girls

Brief Description

The District Task Force (DTF) of North Sikkim initiated sports competitions at various levels in the District to boost the morale and confidence of girls involved in sports. With the objective of promoting awareness about Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) sports competitions targeting the Girl Child also focused on providing girls with a platform to showcase their talent in sports, thereby encouraging them to pursue sports as a career. The following activities were conducted:

• Taekwondo Tournament (in 2017 and 2018): By recognizing martial arts as the best self-defense form for women, a State level Taekwondo championship was organized. 150 girls performed an aerobics demonstration.
• North District Taekwondo Association : The Association conducted regular coaching classes for students in Taekwondo in the evenings.
• Girls Football Tournament (in 2017 and 2018): Football, a favourite sport in the District, attracts a wide audience. In order to encourage girls to play the game and break gender stereotypes, a girl’s football tournament was organized that saw the participation of 500 girls.
• Mountain Biking Race (2018): A Mountain Biking Race was held in the District to promote mountain biking. The DTF proactively associated itself with this programme to generate awareness on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
• North District Half Marathon (2016): The North District Half Marathon was a mega event that was held in the District to generate awareness on the rights of the Girl Child. The event was highly publicized and saw the participation of youth from across the state of Sikkim.

A clarion call was made to the public to witness the sports competitions that were organized for girls.

Factors Contributing to Success

The DTF in close collaboration with the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim, Sports Associations and individuals associated with sports were collectively responsible for the success of this initiative under BBBP.

Outcome, Benefits & Impact

Till date, 800 girls have participated in the various sports activities that were organized by the District Administration. The confidence levels and capacities of girls were enhanced.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Infrastructure facilities were of poor quality. With the support of corporate partners and voluntary contributions, the DTF was able to effectively organize various events.

There is a possibility of converging with ‘Khelo India’, a scheme run by the Government of India for organizing sports activities that are targeted at the Girl Child. Khelo India can be used to provide a platform to the Girl Child, further develop her talents and enable her to pursue sports as a career. Recognizing martial arts as one of the best forms of self defence for women will also boost the Girl Child’s confidence.

Source: Innovations under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao