This contribution will discuss the importance of sports in shaping and breaking gender norms (using examples from Afghanistan) and collaborate on ideas for doing this effectively in the Global South.
Contribution long abstract
The aspiration cycle was derived from the findings of 11 interviews conducted in July 2021. This cycle helps explain how women in Afghanistan get involved in sports, as well as discusses some of the positive effects of this participation. Additionally, research found that women identified that sports participation can transform gender perceptions in their communities. This contribution would like do a short presentation on the aspiration cycle and its associated findings, and then facilitate a discussion on how the lessons learned from the Afghanistan experience may be applicable to other countries in the Global South. This contribution will be centred on how sports can play a role in changing gender norms for a more equitable world.