A group of girls at one of World Vision’s Child Friendly Spaces in South Sudan are challenging gender stereotypes… by playing football.

Many girls in South Sudan are flung quickly into adulthood. The country has one of the lowest enrolment rates of girls in secondary school – and only 8% are able to finish their education. Over half of all girls in the country will be married before the age of 18.

But this football team wants to show their community - and themselves - that girls can be powerful.

Dina’s arms stretch out. She runs across the field, her head back, whooping in celebration. She’s just scored a goal, her first of the match. This goal isn’t only a quick point. It’s a victory for women’s empowerment in South Sudan. Dina is a member of an all-girls football team, supported by World Vision that is breaking gender stereotypes.

Dina’s mother Magline was just 13 years old when she was forced into marriage. She is determined that her daughters will not suffer that same fate. As for her daughter playing football, Magline says it’s okay — but Dina’s education needs to come first. Dina’s older sister has recently graduated from university, and Magline is hoping all her children will be able to finish university before pursuing marriage.

Football is just one of the activities organised by staff at World Vision’s Child Friendly Spaces, a spot where thousands of children are provided a safe place to play and express themselves every day. Playing football has helped the girls’ confidence grow and - despite standing in the face of continued gender discrimination - they believe that change is possible.  Through the soccer team, the girls learn how to identify, report, and respond to abuse or threats of child marriage. The team also creates a sense of connection and enables encouragement among peers. The girls rally together to support one another on and off the field. This is one of many ways to help end the violence adolescent girls face in South Sudan.