Mogadishu girls’ basketball game highlights fight against gender-based violence

Girls’ basketball game in Mogadishu doubles as rally against gender-based violence

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A girls’ basketball match in Mogadishu’s Shibis district became a platform for visibility and protection on Thursday as the Somalia Sisterhood initiative used sport to spotlight the fight against gender-based violence during the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Two teams, Somalia Sisterhood and Super Sign, faced off in an energetic game attended by officials from the Benadir Regional Administration, the Somali Police Force, national sports federations and representatives from the Presidential Palace. Organizers said Somalia Sisterhood won by 42 points, but stressed the day was designed to move the conversation beyond the scoreboard.

“Our goal was to give girls a platform to showcase their talent and remind the community that gender-based violence remains a serious issue that must be addressed,” said Najma Mohamed, chairperson of Somalia Sisterhood.

Speakers framed the event as both a celebration of girl athletes and a call to build systems that keep them safe. The deputy governor of Benadir pledged the administration’s commitment to protecting girls’ rights and ensuring equal opportunities. “We stand with girl athletes and remain committed to preventing violations of their rights,” he said.

The commitments echoed across law enforcement and sport. Basketball Federation Chairperson Abdullahi Daqaale said the federation aims to expand safe and inclusive pathways for girls at every level of the game. “We want Somali girls to participate confidently. The federation is preparing an environment where their talent can grow,” he said.

A representative from the Police Gender Unit, Samira Nazarani, underscored the need to strengthen protection systems around girls in and beyond sport. “Gender-based violence is a real threat. The police are developing measures to protect girls and eliminate harmful practices,” she said.

Hani Kuurlibah, youth and sports adviser to the president, urged sustained investment in facilities, coaching and equipment so girls can train and compete with dignity. “Somali girls have immense potential. They deserve proper fields and resources to play a visible role in sports and society,” he said.

The match offered a rare stage for girls’ teams to compete publicly — and an instructive look at what stakeholders say must happen next if participation is to grow. Organizers and officials pointed to a cluster of priorities that, taken together, could make girls’ sport safer and more visible:

• Protect girls’ rights in sport through clear policies and enforcement across schools, clubs and competitions.
• Expand access to safe facilities and training environments designed with girls’ needs in mind.
• Strengthen police prevention and response mechanisms for gender-based violence, including at sporting events.
• Invest in coaching, mentorship and equipment to build confidence and keep girls engaged.

While the event carried the energy of a local derby — with cheering sections, team huddles and coaches urging players forward — the messaging was unambiguous: visibility is a form of protection, and sport is a credible space to practice leadership and community. Youth and women’s groups from the Benadir administration and Mogadishu Municipality called for continued empowerment initiatives that reach beyond a single campaign or match.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, is a global civil society push to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. Organizers in Mogadishu cast Thursday’s game as both a capstone and a starting point — a public reminder that momentum must carry into policies, resources and everyday practice.

“The message is simple,” Mohamed said after the final whistle. “Let girls play, let them be seen and make sure they are safe while they do it.”

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.