Changing the Game for Girls

As the world prepares for the dire impacts of climate change, we need proven models that protect girls. Severe climate events, like drought or other disasters, can exacerbate gender violence (including relationship and sexual violence) and create environments that allow it to flourish. In fact, a September 2024 UNFPA report showed that the number of people experiencing relationship violence in Sub-Saharan Africa will triple due to global warming and increased temperatures. 

Already, nearly 1 in 3 adolescent girls is sexually assaulted/abused globally, derailing futures, increasing school drop-out, and harming health and earning potential. Violence against girls is the most widespread, urgent public health and human rights crisis of our time — and climate change is making it worse. 

Futures Without Violence, Soccer Without Borders and Pact have come together to support communities in East Africa- a partnership called Changing the Game for Girls.  In the region surrounding the Lake Victoria basin (Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi), countries are preparing for what could be the world’s largest surge in internal climate migrants in coming decades (up to 38.5 million people).

In collaboration with local partners, Changing the Game adapted Futures Without Violence’s Coaching Boys Into Men model, which is proven to: 1.) decrease instances of adolescent sexual/relationship violence, and 2.) increase likelihood a young person will speak out against violence with their peers. To date, the partnership has reached over 360,000 young people. 

It promises to be a game-changing strategy for all regions of the world ready to put girls’ safety at the center of climate change crisis prevention.