Oscar Foundation's Gender-Based Life Skills Football Curriculum

Date: 2023- currently in Progress
Location: Mumbai India
 

The gender and life skills program I designed and implemented in Mumbai focuses on sensitizing marginalized adolescent boys and girls from urban slums to key gender concepts. This comprehensive program consists of six modules that explore sexual reproductive health, gender identities, safety, consent, and rights. What makes this program unique is its use of football skills and matches as a tool for facilitating these discussions, making the learning process interactive and engaging. The program aims to empower young participants by addressing gender norms and stereotypes through practical, real-world scenarios.

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In addition to developing this program, I continue to conduct capacity-building and gender awareness trainings for Oscar Foundation’s staff, coaches, children, and young leaders. These activity-based workshops provide essential knowledge about gender, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of these concepts and apply them both in their professional roles and personal lives. This initiative is an ongoing effort to create a gender-inclusive environment within the foundation and beyond.

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STRUCTURE & APPROACH

 

• Objective: Equip marginalized adolescent boys and girls with essential gender knowledge through interactive football-based modules.

• Key Topics Covered:

  • Gender Identity and Roles: Understanding gender as a social construct, challenging stereotypes.

  • Sexual & Reproductive Health: Covering puberty, bodily changes, menstruation, and personal hygiene.

  • Consent and Safety: Teaching personal boundaries, bodily autonomy, and the importance of consent.

  • Violence: Addressing gender-based violence, its impact, and how to identify and prevent it.

  • Gender Stereotypes: Identifying and breaking down societal norms and biases related to gender.

  • Rights: Exploring gender rights, equality, and the importance of advocacy for one’s rights.

  • Empathy and Allyship: Encouraging empathy towards diverse identities and fostering allyship within communities.                      

• Football as a Tool: Each module uses football drills and matches to integrate learning about gender concepts. This makes the learning process dynamic, relatable, and engaging for participants.

• Tailored for Age Groups: Activities are adapted for different age groups (below 12, 13-15, and above 16) to ensure relevance and age-appropriate content.

• Integration of Life Skills: Each module integrates a life skill (such as self-awareness or empathy) with a gender concept, using football games to make the learning process interactive and practical.

• Activity-based Learning: The curriculum emphasizes practical learning through interactive activities like role-playing, discussions, and games.