Cricket for Equality

Last year, the Cricket Changemakers in Morang and Saptari districts of Nepal conducted an investigation into how adolescents experience restrictive gender norms, aiming to identify avenues for positive transformation. Through fifteen play-based focus group discussions involving 72 male and 81 female students aged 13-19 from eight schools, we examined the impact of these norms, particularly on girls' freedom, mobility, and exposure to violence.

Both male and female students recognized that societal gender norms hinder girls' participation in sports, limiting their free time, mobility, and subjecting them to violence or the risk thereof. The enforcement of these norms primarily stems from key individuals, with parents being the main enforcers, while adolescent boys often perpetuate harmful behaviors such as bullying and teasing.

This innovative program uses cricket as a vehicle for social change, creating safe spaces where young people can challenge traditional gender roles and develop more equitable attitudes. By engaging both girls and boys in the process, the program ensures that transformation happens at the community level and is sustainable over time.