On February 6th and 7th, YONECO conducted an impactful workshop aimed at creating a comprehensive sports manual designed to harness the power of sports in peacebuilding initiatives.
Recognizing the significant role that sports can play in development, the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including sports officers, youth officers, gender officers, and officials from the ministry of sports. They engaged in interactive sessions focused on promoting peace, leadership, gender equality, and humanitarian responses.
The workshop created a collaborative environment where participants were encouraged to share ideas and insights through group work and brainstorming activities. This approach not only built a sense of community among attendees but also facilitated the development of innovative strategies for utilizing sports as a tool for positive social change.
A key component of the workshop was the emphasis on the Sustaining Women Community Movement for Peacebuilding, currently being implemented in two districts: Phalombe and Machinga. Each district encompasses two traditional authorities and is supported by the Women, Peace and Humanitarian Fund through UN Women. This initiative aims to empower women and enhance their roles in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts, recognizing their critical contributions to community resilience and development.
The sports manual developed during the workshop will serve as a vital resource for promoting peacebuilding efforts, leadership development, and addressing gender issues through sports.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of the sports manual and the ongoing initiatives in their respective communities.