Nyawa United: Empowering Girls Through Football and Beyond

Many have asked why we chose to send a girls’ team from a rural village to an international football tournament in Oslo, Norway. The answer is simple: it’s not just about football. It’s about exposure, cultural exchange, and showing these girls that they have choices and opportunities. It’s about inspiring them to dream big and providing the motivation to pursue those dreams.

Before the project and their journey to Norway, the girls had aspirations of becoming doctors, nurses, or even famous football players for the Zambian National Team, the Copper Queens. The experience of participating in the Norway Cup made them realize that these dreams are within reach if they are willing to work for them. The tournament opened doors, even if just a crack, and through football, the girls have formed new friendships, developed teamwork and communication skills, and grown both on and off the field.

One of the most cherished memories from the Norway Cup was the opportunity to connect with peers from different countries. The girls discovered that despite cultural and linguistic differences, they shared common dreams and challenges with girls from places like Norway and Germany.

This achievement has been a significant milestone not only for the project team but also for the entire Nyawa community. They witnessed a group of girls, some without ID papers or passports and who had never worn football boots before, participate in the world’s largest football tournament for youth – The Norway Cup.

When asked if it was worth it, our answer is a resounding YES. Establishing a girls’ football team in a rural Zambian village has been incredibly rewarding, albeit challenging. While there has been progress in girls’ participation in sports, there is still much work to be done. The girls of Nyawa United now serve as role models in their communities, both on and off the field.

Nyawa United is about more than just football. It is a space where girls can thrive, boosting their self-esteem and developing essential life skills such as collaboration, decision-making, and communication. The project is now focused on building a sustainable movement for girls and women in Nyawa through sports, health, and educational programs.

We are inspired by the words of Shirley Chisholm: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This quote encourages us to take control of our lives and seize opportunities. The Norway Cup has been a significant inspiration for us to continue our work, using football as a driving force to motivate more girls to join sports teams, dream big, and achieve their goals.

As a testament to this, one of the Nyawa United girls is currently studying to become a doctor. After the Norway Cup in 2022, she worked harder to achieve the results needed for university admission, and she succeeded – a truly inspiring story!

And who knows, you might see more Nyawa United girls at Ekebergsletta in the future!

In addition to the football team, the Nyawa United project is involved in other exciting initiatives and is focusing on building a Community Centre in the village of Nyawa. The Centre is designed to serve as a meeting place for the local community. Part of the building will be a dedicated space for sporting facilities, including changing rooms, and where educational workshops will be held. The aim is to facilitate inclusion and participation in sports activities.

You can follow their journey on social media (@nyawaunited) or their website.