Project Golkipa
Project Golkipa brings people together from sports, faith and community sectors to work towards a common goal: supporting women and girls to safely access and benefit from sports.
“Every person, created in God’s image – women, girls, or individuals with disabilities – has the right to participate in sports, free from violence and discrimination, with equal dignity and respect,” Dr. Reverend Cliff Bird, ordained Minister of the United Church in Solomon Islands
THE CHALLENGE
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. In the Pacific region, national rates of violence against women and girls often double the global average. Many women who play sport in the Pacific Islands believe there is increased likelihood of emotional and physical violence, homophobic and transphobic violence, and abuse and sexual harassment. Emotional violence – in the form of verbal abuse, spectator jeering, and threats – was the most common form of violence experienced by women and girls.
THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BENEFITS WHEN WOMEN AND GIRLS PLAY SPORTS
Sport weaves through Pacific communities, countries and the region. It brings people together, fosters pride and serves as a powerful source of identity and connection. Sport creates and reinforces social norms, values and behaviours, and has a role to play in promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls.
When community leaders support and make it safe for women and girls to play sport, they recognize their rights to participate fully in community life, be celebrated and supported, access safe spaces, develop skills, build confidence, look after their health and wellbeing and connect with mentors and peers. Every time a woman or girl steps onto the field or court, she becomes known for her skills and abilities, challenges stereotypes and shows the world what’s possible.
Together we can support lasting and transformative changes that advance gender equality and help end violence against women and girls by working together across the entire sports system and by connecting with other sectors in the community.
THE PURPOSE
Engaging social leaders and gatekeepers in promoting safe access to sports programs for women and girls in the Solomon Islands will contribute to:
- Leaders proactively setting standards for gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.
- More women and girls safely playing sport, thereby disrupting rigid gender norms and benefitting themselves and the whole community.
Golkipa builds on the legacy of Pacific women’s movements, sport advocates, and community organisations working to end violence. It recognises that changing behaviours means first changing beliefs, and that prevention requires action not just from individuals, but from the most powerful voices in the room.
STARTING PROJECT GOLKIPA
Project Golkipa has three components – PLAY, DISCUSS and BELIEVE – which are run at the same time as football’s coach training, programming and festivals over a 20-week period.
The activities are delivered by local coaches, faith leaders and social workers.
NEXT STEPS
The pilot, planned for 2026, in the Western Province of Solomon Islands, will run alongside a 20-week Play football programme designed specifically for inclusion of girls and women.
“So many times, women and girls are always in the kitchen. Before, when I was single, I used to play. Now that I am married, I just stay in the house. I really like playing sports,” reflects Evelyn Lebe, a resident of the Marama Eloteve Community in the Solomon Islands. Then she smiled and sprinted off with the ball to join team members who are also her neighbours. Evelyn is now one of the many women reclaiming their space on the field through Golkipa.
Because when community leaders stand behind girls, they don’t just change the game, they change lives.
