The National Organization of Women for Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation of Zambia (NOWSPAR), The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) and Women Win have partnered to develop universal ‘Guiding Principles’ as a contribution toward eliminating violence against girls and women in sport.

The prospect of women and girls experiencing sexual harassment and gender based violence in domestic as well as public spaces remains a challenge to women’s rights and their development. Sport is recognised as a domain in which empowerment and development can be advanced. Sexual harassment and gender based Violence against girls and women in sport therefore compromises this opportunity and the capabilities of girls and women to benefit and enjoy their rights to recreation, leisure, cultural activities and the right to a dignified life.

The intent of the ‘Guiding Principles’ is to embody the aspiration toward a sport and recreation environment that is safe and open for all, especially girls and women, to participate in and benefit from the development objectives of empowerment through sport programmes.

At present, we are lobbying stakeholders to accept these guidelines; the next steps for NIF, NOWSPAR and Women Win following the acceptance of the guiding principles will be in reference to changing policy to enact the guiding principles, to develop organizational codes of conducts, mobilize capacity development support for implementation and specific advocacy communications to support the development of a safe sport environment for everyone to participate.