#YONECO, with support from UN Women and Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) donated sports equipment and materials to five coaches which the organization trained to promote peace using sports in Phalombe and Machinga districts.
The items that were donated include footballs, netballs, cones, and training bibs.
The distributed materials marked a key milestone in an ongoing initiative which is aimed at increasing women’s participation in conflict prevention in the targeted districts.
The handover ceremony was presided over by district council officials and traditional leaders.
In their remarks, officials from the district council hailed the project for using sports as a tool for uniting communities and promoting positive behavioural change among young people.
TA Mizinga urged the newly trained coaches to make full use of the equipment to promote peace, dialogue, and inclusion. He highlighted the role of sports in raising awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) and encouraging community engagement on critical social issues.
The coaches who are now equipped with both skills and tools, are expected to lead sports sessions within their communities. These sports activities will serve as recreational outlets as well platforms for promoting peace, gender equality, and education on the dangers of #GBV.
The items were donated under Sustaining Community Women Movement for Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Response Project which is being funded by UN Women and WPHF.
