We are thrilled to announce the winners and runners-up of the Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport photo competition, in partnership with UNESCO, UN Women, the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR), the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, the Sports for Social Change Network Africa, and Bobbi Brown.
This competition, which highlights the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity through physical activity, physical education, and sport (PEPAS), received over 130 inspiring submissions from around the world.
We hope you will be equally inspired by these powerful and poignant images and stories!
WINNER
EMBRACING THE HARDSHIP
Photographer: Arpan Basu Chowdhury | Country: India
This picture is captured at a remote tribal area of Purulia, west Bengal. Life there is tough, full of hardship and deprivation. But this picture tells the story of the determination which paves the path of a better future. They are the women footballers of a tribal community. And everyday, they manage to practice the game. Despite the busy schedule that involves everyday chores of household activities, the dream paves the path towards a better tomorrow, and the hope of a new dawn.
This picture is a token of hope and wish, determination and dream, or any other synonym that ‘life’ ever means. The spirit of self reliance, shared values, dignity and partnership they learn and promote through their discourse, is awe inspiring
SECOND PLACE
THE HISTORY MAKERS
Photographer: Paula Duda | Country: Poland
In October 2023 the history was made. The first-ever women’s amputee football international match took place in Warsaw. The host Poland beat the United States 1:0. Wearing jerseys with the national emblems, singing the national anthem, full stadium of loud supporters… Dreams came true for many of those women for who taking off their prosthesis and playing football was an abstraction a while ago. The picture you are looking at was taken a few minutes after the final whistle and shows a huge joy of Polish players with their first match and first win. Really strong women.
THIRD PLACE
LOST IN THE MOMENT
Photographer: Eragbie Joshua | Country: Nigeria
Triumph is not just about crossing the finish line first; it’s about breaking through barriers that once seemed insurmountable. This powerful photograph captures a moment of sheer determination and resilience, as a female swimmer slices through the water, embodying the spirit of overcoming. Lost in the moment, she struggles to reach the finish line while her competitors have already finished. Battling an injury which she sustained during the race. She remains determined to complete the race during the Nigeria University Games competition in Lagos, Nigeria. This image is a celebration of every woman and girl who has faced challenges head-on, breaking through societal expectations and personal limitations. It is a reminder that true victory lies in the courage to dive into the deep end and emerge stronger, more determined, and unbroken.
FRONTRUNNER
Photographer: Sudip Maiti | Country: India
In Kolkata, India, a woman participating in a marathon ran the entire race without any footwear. Women’s long- distance running has always been burdened with social stigma and inhibitions in India. But running plays a key role in liberating and empowering women across ages as more and more women are taking part in distance running events in recent years. As a result, an Indian women’s team took silver in the 2022 IAU 24H Asia and Oceania Championships in Bangalore while Sufiya Khan was awarded two Guinness World Records in endurance running.
ZANZIBAR SPARKS’ INSPIRING JOURNEY
Photographer: Rashidi Nadhir Mrindoko | Country: Tanzania
Female Muslim athletes face numerous challenges when participating in sports. Those who wear hijabs, for example, may be prohibited from competing in certain countries or international events due to safety concerns outlined by governing bodies. Additionally, misunderstandings of Islamic rules create further obstacles.
Despite these barriers, those who persevere and showcase their talents transcend stereotypes, overcome obstacles, and break through barriers. Inspiring story of Zanzibar Sparks, first under-fourteen girls’ team from Zanzibar. Many of these athletes come from challenging backgrounds, some belong to marginalised groups, like players with impaired hearing or albinism.
Through their participation, these girls have not only demonstrated their athletic prowess but have also become powerful symbols of girl empowerment. Their journey underlines the critical role of sport in fostering development, building confidence, and promoting equality. The Zanzibar Sparks were presented with the remarkable opportunity to participate in the prestigious international youth football tournament in France 2024, where they proudly returned with two distinguished cups.
Their success serves as testament to the transformative power of sports in uplifting young girls, breaking down societal barriers, and providing platform for personal and collective growth. Through their achievements, they inspire countless other girls to pursue their dreams and assert their rightful place in the sports world.
GAME CHANGER
Photographer: Mr Sourav Karmakar | Country: India
When Ritu Saini tells her story, she does not show any anger. She is completely at peace with the pain that life has inflicted on her. She grows excited when she talks about her days as a basketball player in Haryana, the state she once represented. But an acid attack on her cousin, whom she rejected, cut short a budding career & ended her dreams of playing for the country. But Ritu quickly regained confidence to lead a normal respectful life with dreams of playing basketball for her state. Picture taken at “Sheroes Hangout” Café in Agra, India.
UNSTOPPABLE DETERMINATION
Photographer: Ali Hasnein Hussein | Country: Tanzania
This compelling photograph captures the essence of resilience and the indomitable human spirit. A young footballer, seated on the ground, engages with the game amidst a backdrop of lush green turf and scattered footballs. Despite facing physical challenges, her expression and body language radiate joy and determination. The image beautifully embodies the theme “Overpower. Overtake. Overcome.” It shows how the woman overpowers societal and physical barriers, asserting her presence on the field with strength and passion. Her engagement with the sport demonstrates her ability to overtake the limitations imposed by her condition, showcasing that dedication and love for the game can drive one to surpass any obstacle.
Ultimately, this photograph is a powerful celebration of overcoming adversity. It inspires viewers by highlighting that with unwavering resolve, one can triumph over challenges and find joy and fulfilment in pursuing their passions. This image is a poignant reminder that true strength lies not in physical capabilities but in the determination and spirit to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
WOMEN WRESTLERS OF INDIA BREAKING TABOOS
Photographer: Avijit Ghosh | Country: India
In this photograph women wrestlers are seen participated in an open-air street side wrestling on a manshift stage in Kolkata , India. It is very uncommon to find women wrestlers participating in street side wrestling in India as it is mostly dominated by men. But these women wrestlers are probably the first generation to break the taboos
FOOTBALL4WILDLIFE
Photographer: Calvince Ogall | Country: Kenya
Using football as a tool to sensitize the community on the need to conserve the wildlife in their natural habitat.
BREAKING WAVES, BREAKING BARRIERS
Photographer: Darius Metzler | Country: Germany
Against a stunning sunset, my sister strides confidently towards the ocean, her surfboard in hand. The breaking waves and the glistening water reflect her unwavering spirit. In this serene yet powerful scene, she defies stereotypes (OVERPOWER) by embracing her passion for surfing, a realm often dominated by men.
In the upcoming minutes, she will navigate the formidable waves, she will surmount obstacles (OVERTAKE) with determination and skill, embodying resilience. Every ride she takes shows her courage and tenacity, breaking through barriers (OVERCOME) and proving that no challenge is too great. This moment captures her start of a perfect surf session — an inspiration to all who dare to dream of breaking waves and breaking barriers.
EMPOWERED WOMAN, EMPOWER WOMAN
Photographer: Eugenie Bezuidenhout | Country: South Africa
Gymnastics in South Africa is not acknowledged as profoundly as rugby is. Therefore, as a coach, especially a female coach in the sporting industry, it is important that they as the empowered woman, empower woman. This is the power of support, encouragement and celebration. For many years the Olympics was just a dream any South African gymnast could wish for, however now thanks to the empowerment of our coaches, the Olympic dreams are a “clap away” – spot the Olympic rings hiding in the cloud of chalk in this image
BEYOND THE SURFACE
Photographer: Flossy Barraud | Country: United Kingdom
Being in water can make us happier, less stressed, and more connected to nature. Our salty, sensory experiences can inspire us to engage proactively in protecting beloved ocean spaces.
However, two thirds of women worldwide cannot swim. In tropical coastal communities like the Maldives, with a territory of 99% ocean, not being able to swim can mean not being able to equally explore, connect to, benefit from, and fall in love with dominant coastal spaces, creatures and habitats.
It also means unequal access to sporting opportunities and careers in the ocean space. We explore ways to increase women in tropical coastal communities’ recreational access to the ocean: swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, and the impacts of learning to swim and immerse on women, their families, and their communities.
This image depicts a Maldivian woman who has recently learnt to swim, immersing herself in the beauty of a reef she had always lived beside but never experienced.
WOMAN IS STRONGER THAN WE THINK
Photographer: Marléne Storti | Country: Switzerland
An accomplished athlete and an incredible mother-to-be. These two things must be shown to allow other women to believe in her and remain or become the strong woman she wants to be.
FEMALE FOOTBALL
Photographer: Michael Dula | Country: Kenya
This was a football competition between players with intellectual disabilities and those without. The aim was to create inclusive football teams where players with intellectual disabilities could play with those without in a unified manner.
SIVA SUCCESS
Photographer: Nathan Clarke | Country: United Kingdom
Malaysian squash player, Sivasingari Subramaniam, celebrates winning the biggest title of her career at the London Classic 2024. She defeated the World No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 enroute to the title – which came two years after she suffered a near fatal car crash that left her with severe injuries that ruled her out of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and in doubt as to whether she would ever be able to compete professionally again.
HITTING THE BALL
Photographer: Nila Nandi | Country: India
Blind Cricket is a version of the sport of cricket adapted for blind & partially sighted players. It has been governed by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) since 1996. Blind Cricket relies on common use of the sweep shot, in order to provide maximum chance of the bat to hit the ball. While outdoors in New Delhi, the teacher is holding the cricket bat to teach her blind women cricketers how to play cricket in an open sky atmosphere, because it’s very difficult to catch the sound of the cricket ball in a mixing noise of a public place. If the cricket learners are able to do well in such circumstances, then they can perform strongly on the cricket field.
A WINDOW INTO GIRL EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SPORTS
Photographer: Praveen Dhavale | Country: India
Overpower – Set in a rural village in India, the gender expectations have been reversed as the boys’ cheer on the keeper as she looks to clear the ball. In India, girls and women are overwhelmingly sidelined in sports. Only 11% of registered football players are girls.
Overtake – Every weekend, these girls chalk the grounds and weave the nets to prepare for their match day. In addition to their schoolwork, at a very early age, girls in India have extra responsibilities of cooking and cleaning their home. Inspired by sports, the girls work hard to finish schoolwork and family responsibilities so that they may arrive at the grounds on time to help set up their own pitch.
Overcome – Peering through this window onto the pitch, the community can see confident and strong girls, fighting hard to score goals. These valuable life characteristics are not often encouraged in their community lives. Sports give them the opportunity to develop and grow as strong individuals. These boys on the sidelines are not just fans of a simple football match; they are witnesses to a transformed generation of girls defying stereotypes, surmounting obstacles and breaking through barriers through sports.
CLEOPATRA’S BLOOD, HUMBLE BUT HUNGRY
Photographer: Rena Elanwar | Country: Egypt
The Queen of Egypt, Soraya Mohamed, is an Egyptian Basketball player who plays for Al Ahly and Egypt women’s national team. She was the first Egyptian woman to win an individual title at the Africa Cup. She bagged her first MVP award at the U16 African Cup and achieved a similar feat at the U18 Africa Cup in 2012 when Egypt finished third.
Soraya Mohamed has always known she was unique. Mastery of basketball, both 3×3 and 5-on-5, as well as her infectious personality away from the court, have made her one of the leading faces in African women’s hoops. Soraya played the final game in Africa cup 3×3 final with her tough injury. It’s not her first time to play with pain.
She got an ACL tear during the final game in the Women’s Cairo league, and she won the game against all odds. In spite of injured hands and lips, she dribbled, determination etched on her face. Every shot echoed her unwavering spirit and love for Egypt. In pain, she found strength, becoming a symbol of resilience and patriotism.
THE NURSE CHAMPION
Photographer: Sylvia Casali | Country: Italy
Pamela Malvina “Noutcho” Sawa, aka “the nurse champion ” won the EBU Silver lightweight title on April 5th, 2024, in Bologna (Italy) against the British champion Jordan Barker Porter. Pamela left Cameroon when she was only eight years old to join her father in Italy, moving to Bologna in 2014 to study nursing. During an internship at a homeless shelter, she discovered boxing, growing stronger everyday training at Bologna’s “popular” gym. In 2021, she won the Italian title in the Elite Absolute category, in 2023 she was granted Italian citizenship, and on 2024, finally concured the EBU title.
EQUAL STROKES
Photographer: Lizaan Smit | Country: South Africa
On the sport field in the small fisherman town Gansbaai, South Africa, amidst a sea of boys playing hokey in the background, a young girl practices her skills with determination. Her shirt reads “You can sit with us,” a beacon of inclusivity amidst the intensity of their game. This image captures the powerful contrast between the traditional scene of sportsmanship and the bold statement of inclusion. It’s a reminder that diversity enriches the playing field, and every stroke of the ball carries the weight of equality.
The girl is practicing in the Sports Development Programme that is hosted by the Grootbos Foundation.