Hi Saida,
I have been a fan of YWLI since you started in Senegal as an institute to support young activists. It is thrilling to read about how the African Feminist Forum in Ghana inspired you to start Binti Girls. I run Women Win which is a new foundation that gives grants to projects that use sport as an instrument for women and girls’ empowerment. I have worked within the women's movement for over 12 years and that is where I got the inspiration to start Women Win. I am so happy to find your project in Changemakers and see that you are using soccer as a way to focus and improve sexual and reproductive rights. That is exactly in line with the vision of Women Win. I would love to be in direct contact with you and hear more about your project. Please visit our website at www.womenwin.org.
All the best and keep up the great work!
Astrid Aafjes
Women Win

Hi Saida,

I run an organization called love.fútbol that builds simple, safe soccer fields for children in impoverished communities. I noticed that one of the barriers you mentioned was a lack of "resources to ensure proper facilities." I was wondering if our organization might be beneficial to Binti or if that was not a great concern for your organization right now.

We currently work in Central America, but we are interested in working in Africa someday.

Thank you and best of luck,
Drew Chafetz

www.lovefutbol.org

Hi Saida,

I really like how you focus on empowering girls and breaking the taboo around female sexuality here rather than catering to the idea that the best way to reproductive health is to avoid sex - or even talking about sex- altogether. Soccer as a sport that is often viewed as "male" is a great avenue towards stregthening female self-esteem and visibility, I think. I just have to refer you to the German/Kenyan project Boxgirls Roadwork, as the possibilities for contacts and cross-training are so blatantly obvious.

http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/node/2279

Godd luck with your work!

Jasper Nicolaisen
Free University Berlin
University Challenge

Dear Saida,

Your project is indeed motivating and using journalism training could help to really develop the self confidence of young women. Have you heard of http://www.africanews.com - they offer a platform for would-be African reporters. Maybe some of your youngsters might be able to post articles there when they are ready with their training?

Do you use music and dance in your program?

Unfortunately I haven't been able to access your website, is the url valid? Would you be able to send more info about your initiative?

We at Spirit of Football ( http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/node/2211 ) are looking to make even more partnerships with various NGOs and projects in Africa in the lead-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. My non-profit also called Spiirt of Football plans to send University of Erfurt student volunteers to projects in Africa leading up to the World Cup to work on the ground and conduct participatory video assignments.

Maybe we can visit you?

I hope to hear from you.

Andrew Aris
Lecturer University of Erfurt
----
Spirit of Football - football's equivalent to the Olympic Torch
http://www.spiritoffootball.com
http://www.spiritoffootball.com

University of Southern California

Really good idea to incorporate journaling as part of the solution. This internal reflection is often neglected in the efforts to establish self-esteem, so it is good to see that you've integrated it into your model.

The idea of creating safe spaces is also critical and may help you gather support from external donors who support women's rights and issues. Have you attempted to form partnerships with local clinics and health agencies? Sometimes foundations are more willing to supply larger donations if they know that the organization is partnered with other agencies and institutions.

Wishing you continued success as you impact the lives of young women.