INTRODUCTION
A Game with a Purpose
On a bright Saturday afternoon, February 1, 2025, the Buea Town Stadium came alive with energy, excitement, and purpose. It wasn’t just another football match; it was a powerful movement aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and raising awareness about Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
With funding from the Global Fund for Women, DAREM NGO brought together Mbororo boys and men in a groundbreaking initiative that used sports as a tool for social change. The tournament, played under the theme “Kick Off for Change – Engaging Men in SRHR & Ending GBV,” was more than just about scoring goals, it was about shifting mindsets, challenging harmful norms, and inspiring men to become champions for gender equality.
Football, Brotherhood, and a Message That Matters
The much-anticipated match saw Mbuscuda FC take on Laverie FC in a 90-minute showdown. The stadium buzzed with excitement as spectators cheered on the teams, both made up of young Mbororo men eager to showcase their talent.
From the very first whistle, Mbuscuda FC dominated the game, taking an early lead with two spectacular goals in the first half. Despite Laverie FC’s determination, they couldn’t break through Mbuscuda’s strong defense. The second half saw two more goals added to the tally, sealing a 4-0 victory for Mbuscuda FC.
Despite the final score, there were no losers. The match was played in the spirit of fairness, camaraderie, and unity. As one participant put it, “Today, it wasn’t just about winning a match; it was about winning a conversation that our community has been avoiding for too long.”
Beyond the Pitch: A Conversation That Matters
After the match, the real conversation began. Players and spectators gathered to discuss SRHR and GBV, guided by experts, activists, and community leaders. It was an honest, open, and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue, but one that needed to happen.
The discussions explored key issues affecting the Mbororo community, such as:
Men’s role in preventing GBV and breaking the cycle of violence.
Challenging harmful gender norms that have long silenced women.
Access to reproductive health services and why men should be active supporters of safe motherhood, family planning, and sexual health.
The power of positive masculinity shifting from outdated ideas of dominance to embracing respect, responsibility, and care.
For many of the young men present, this was the first time they had engaged in a conversation about GBV and reproductive health in a space that felt safe and judgment-free.
“I never realized that my silence could also make me part of the problem. We, as men, have a responsibility to speak up and take action,” shared one player from Laverie FC.
Another added, “Before today, I thought gender equality was only about women. Now, I see that it’s all of us. It’s about creating a fair and safe world for everyone.”
A New Generation of Change-Makers
At the end of the event, medals, trophies, and prizes were awarded to recognize the players’ efforts, not just on the field, but in their willingness to engage in a deeper social dialogue.
Mbuscuda FC walked away with the gold medals and trophy, while Laverie FC proudly received silver medals for their participation. But the real victory? A shift in mindset.
DAREM Organization is committed to ensuring that this conversation doesn’t end here. Plans are already in motion for:
More sports-based advocacy programs in other communities.
The formation of men’s discussion groups to keep these conversations going.
Stronger partnerships with local leaders, schools, and healthcare centers to support SRHR education and GBV prevention.
As the sun set on Buea Town Stadium that evening, one thing was clear: the movement had begun. The game might have ended, but the fight for gender equality and reproductive rights was just kicking off.
Final Whistle: A Call to Action
To the men and boys who participated, this was more than a game. It was a challenge, to rethink, to unlearn, and to take action.
And to all men reading this: What role will you play in ending GBV? How will you support the women in your life in making informed reproductive health choices?
Football may be a game of goals, but in life, the ultimate goal is a world free of violence, a world where everyone’s rights are respected, and a world where men stand as allies, not bystanders.
So today, we ask you: Are you ready to kick off for change?
