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In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we’re highlighting the Bolton Solidarity Community Association (BSCA), a grantee of the NFL Foundation UK Community Partnerships Program supported by Beyond Sport. The Bolton, UK-based organization promotes inclusion and facilitates the integration and empowerment of new and emerging BME (Black and minority ethnic) communities through sport. Its programs advance gender equality, raise awareness on female genital mutilation (FGM) and provide direct support to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants across Greater Manchester.
Every 10 minutes a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member. 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign calling for action and accountability to end this violence against women and girls. It began on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs through December 10, Human Rights Day.
Since 2002, BSCA has served diverse communities including Somali, Ethiopian, Sudanese, Oromo, Eritrean, Kurdish and Iraqi populations. Its programs and initiatives focus on education, gender equality, wellbeing support, ending FGM, youth substance abuse, crime prevention and employment support. The charity has been recognized for its contributions to local Bolton communities and received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2019.
We spoke to Development Manager, Ibrahim Ismail, on the challenges women and girls face in Bolton, the impact of NFL Flag and the importance of championing women and girls in their communities.
Ismail shared that many women and girls are socially isolated due to cultural differences or language barriers. They often lack access to education and live in an area that is among the 10% most deprived in the UK; poverty due to the cost-of-living crisis is an additional barrier. BSCA, therefore, creates safe spaces for interaction and engagement as a key priority. It also provides guidance on education, employment and personal development, putting an emphasis on empowerment and confidence-building.
As part of its gender equity work, one of BSCA’s core programs focuses on health education and preventing FGM. FGM is recognized as a human rights violation and is associated with severe health risks and long-term psychological trauma. The World Health Organization estimates that over 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM and 3 million girls are at risk of it each year. It’s an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women often rooted in cultural, religious or social beliefs that is practiced in various parts of the world. In the UK, rates are rising with a 15% increase reported in England.
With this practice being common in immigrant and migrant communities in the UK, BSCA’s raises awareness about the physical, mental and social consequences of FGM in an effort to tackle its growing frequency. Over the past year, it made significant strides in reaching out to local women and girls, supporting 1,280 in 2023/2024 alone.
The organization also runs a Community Champions Program, which trains girls and women to become advocates within their own communities. These ‘champions’ are equipped to challenge the deeply ingrained cultural beliefs that perpetuate FGM and help tackle the stigma that often surrounds conversations about the issue. “It is very important to address gender equality and harmful practices, especially amongst global communities where this topic isn’t discussed enough,” said Ismail.
One of the most powerful tools BSCA uses across its initiatives is sport and physical activity. Its NFL Flag Football program – the non-contact version of American football – promotes self-esteem, teamwork and is breaking down cultural barriers and stereotypes. Ismail says that the sport has had a profound impact on their girls. “We have seen the girls participating in the NFL Flag program really blossom as a result. They have formed friendships and really enjoyed taking part in physical activity.”
Through education and sports like NFL Flag, BSCA is changing mindsets and advocating for women and girls’ rights, health and wellbeing.
Beyond Sport has supported the rollout of NFL Foundation UK’s Community Partnerships Program funding to help communities engage young people through NFL Flag. Participating youth gain connections and develop essential teamwork, leadership and social skills, empowering them and affirming that their voices matter.
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