Level the Field, Change the Game
Last week in Oslo, our very own Julia Pimenta, head of programmes and delegations at Street Child United, took the stage at Everything in Sport: Women’s Edition – bringing the voices of street-connected girls to the heart of the global discussion on sport and gender equality.
In her powerful session, “Level the Field, Change the Game”, Julia shared her personal story of growing up in Brazil – a country where football is a national passion, yet barriers still persist for girls who want to play. She paired this with a vital message: sport can be a truly transformative force when it is safe, fun, and accessible for everyone – especially the most vulnerable.
Giving a Platform to Forgotten Voices
With an estimated 150 million children living in street situations worldwide, Julia reminded us that these children are too often excluded from sport entirely. They face barriers to access, visibility, and even legal recognition. Through initiatives such as the Street Child World Cup and our Young Leaders programme, Street Child United is working to change that – using football and cricket as a platform for children to speak up, assert their rights, and realise their potential.
The Challenge: Girls Are Dropping Out
Julia drew attention to a stark statistic: by the age of 14, girls are twice as likely as boys to drop out of sport – and this figure is likely even higher for girls in vulnerable communities. Drawing on research conducted with 47 organisations across multiple regions, she outlined the key obstacles:
- – Cultural barriers and lack of male allies (75%)
- – A shortage of female role models (58.3%)
- – Financial constraints (37.5%)
- – Limited access to safe spaces (33.3%)
- – Menstrual health and hygiene challenges (29.2%)
From Barriers to Opportunities
But the focus wasn’t only on the challenges. Julia presented a vision for change, emphasising the need for real, implemented safety policies, inclusive programme design, and spaces that are genuinely welcoming for girls. She stressed that safeguarding must be a foundation – ensuring transport, procedures, and venues make girls feel secure.
And crucially – sport must be fun. “If it isn’t enjoyable,” she said, “they won’t come back.”
From providing safe, accessible pitches to showcasing inspiring role models, the goal is clear: to make sport a place where girls can thrive.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead to the Street Child World Cup 2026, where girls’ teams will take centre stage, Julia called for a collaborative, multi-sector response. “No single organisation or policy will solve these issues alone,” she said. “But together, we can build a movement.”
She closed with a powerful reminder: “When we level the playing field for girls, we don’t just change their lives – we change families, generations, and the world.”
