For the first time in the history of South Sudan, International Men’s Day was this year celebrated. The event centered around meaningful conversations to address negative social norms that heavily burden men and breed toxic masculinity, it aimed at promoting the well-being of men and boys bringing out the positive value as a pathway to gender equality.
A pre-curser to D-day, a match between the national female football team, the Bright Starlets, and the Union of Journalists in South Sudan (UJOSS) was played in the presence of hundreds of spectators being the first time to see the girls team play against a male team at Buluk football ground.in South Sudan.
The South Sudan Football Association President Gen. Augustino Maduot Parek as he addressed the public said;
“It’s personally my first time celebrating Men’s Day and we thank UNFPA for making sure nobody is left behind. Together we can promote gender equality and positive masculinity in South Sudan”
In recent years, sports has demonstrated an enormous capacity to propel women’s and girls’ empowerment. It mobilizes the global community and speaks to youth. It unites across national barriers and cultural differences. Sports is a powerful tool to convey important messages in a positive and celebratory environment – often to mass audiences. In addition, it teaches women and girls the values of teamwork, self-reliance, and resilience; has a multiplier effect on their health, education and leadership development; contributes to self-esteem, builds social connections, and challenges harmful gender norms, the head coach for the Bright Starlets expressed happiness that the event provided a platform for both men and boys to play together,
"I have had many good days in SSD but this has to count as one of the best. Thank you UNFPA South Sudan for giving us, the Bright Starlets girl’s team the challenge to raise our game by playing against the male journalist’s team. We need to be better to challenge the norms in society"
Through sports UNFPA is working with various stakeholders, such as South Sudan Football Federation, to ensure female athletes maintain their dignity and have access to their sexual reproductive rights. UNFPA has been instrumental in providing dignity kits to various federations, giving women access to reusable pads, hygiene products, and, items to ensure they can manage their menstrual health.
As a curtain raiser for International Men’s day that is commemorated on the 18th of November annually. UNFPA has organized a football match between the Union of Journalists South Sudan and the Bright Starlets the National football team to promote positive masculinity and gender equality through Sports
“This novelty match is beyond football. We consider it as one way of empowering our girls in South Sudan and challenging social norms around gender that hinder their progress. The Bright Starlets’ commitment to football raises the South Sudan flag as strong women which is contributing to a positive narrative about the country. UNFPA will continue to work with Government, partners, and all of you to ensure the girls are safe and empowered to be great in all forms including male dominated activities such as football,” said Ms. Sarah Masale - Deputy Representative.
Another football match organized between Male champions FC and condomize FC played on November 18 at Zain football ground graced by the Minister of Gender, Child Social Welfare, ended in favor of Condomize FC. In her remarks, the Minister she used the occasion to advocate for the well-being of men and boys but for the good of women and girls in the society as football is a unifying tool.
"The wellbeing of men is critical to the overall wellbeing of society as a whole; the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare will step up collaboration with UNFPA to address the peculiar issues of men”, said, Hon Minister Ayaa Benjamin Warille
Men’s day is important as it reminds us of the dream of an equal world, a world that is fair for all genders. It was an important occasion to underpin that when people and institutions work on the rights and opportunities for women and girls, they are not about taking away those opportunities and rights from men and boys but promoting equality.
