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.

New Prize Money Disbursement Date: we apologise that the disbursement is delayed and will be completed by 15 October 2024.

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 was captured in a remote tribal area of Purulia, West Bengal. Life there is tough, full of hardship and deprivation. However, this picture tells the story of the determination that paves the path to a better future. These women footballers from a tribal community manage to practice their game every day. Despite their busy schedules involving everyday household chores, their dreams pave the way toward 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 encompasses. The spirit of self-reliance, shared values, dignity, and partnership that they learn and promote through their discourse is awe-inspiring.

SECOND PLACE

THE HISTORY MAKERS

Photographer: Paula Duda  |  Country: Poland

In October 2023, history was made. The first-ever women’s amputee international football match took place in Warsaw, where the host, Poland, beat its opponent, the United States, 1-0. Being able to wear jerseys with the national emblem, sing the national anthem, and be cheered on by a stadium full of loud supporters… Dreams came true that day for many of those women, for whom taking off their prostheses and playing football was an abstraction not so long ago.

This picture was taken just a few minutes after the final whistle and shows the huge joy of the Polish players celebrating their first match and first win; it also captures a team of incredibly 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. ​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 by social stigma and inhibitions in India. However, running plays a key role in liberating and empowering women of all ages, as more and more women have taken part in running events in recent years. As a result, an Indian women’s team won silver at the 2022 IAU 24H Asia and Oceania Championships in Bangalore, while Indian athlete Sufiya Khan was awarded two Guinness World Records in endurance running.

ZANZIBAR SPARKS’ INSPIRING JOURNEY

Photographer: Rashidi Nadhir Mrindoko  |  Country: Tanzania

Inspiring story of Zanzibar Sparks, the first under-fourteen girls’ team from Zanzibar. Many of these athletes come from challenging backgrounds; some belong to marginalized groups, such as 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 in 2024, where they proudly returned with two distinguished cups.

Their success serves as a testament to the transformative power of sports in uplifting young girls, breaking down societal barriers, and providing a 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. An acid attack from her cousin, whom she rejected, cut short her budding career and ended her dreams of playing for her country. Ritu has regained the confidence to lead a normal and respectful life, still dreaming of playing basketball and representing her state one day.

This picture was 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 illustrates 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 surpass the limitations imposed by her condition, showcasing that dedication and love for the game can drive one to overcome any obstacle.

WOMEN WRESTLERS OF INDIA BREAKING TABOOS

Photographer: Avijit Ghosh  |  Country: India

In this photograph, women wrestlers are seen competing in open-air street-side wrestling on a makeshift stage in Kolkata, India.It is very uncommon to find women wrestlers participating in street-side wrestling in India, as this sport is mostly dominated by men.

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 about 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 toward the ocean, her surfboard in hand. The breaking waves and 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 moments, she will navigate the formidable waves, she will surmount obstacles (OVERTAKE) with determination and skill, embodying resilience. Every ride she takes showcases her courage and tenacity, breaking through barriers (OVERCOME) and proving that no challenge is too great. This moment captures the start of a perfect surf session — an inspiration to all who dare to dream of breaking waves and 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 for them, as empowered women, to empower other women. This is the power of support, encouragement, and celebration.

For many years, the Olympics were just a dream that any South African gymnast could wish for. Now, thanks to the empowerment of our coaches, Olympic dreams are just 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 our beloved ocean spaces.

However, two-thirds of women worldwide cannot swim. In tropical coastal communities like the Maldives, where 99% of the territory is ocean, not being able to swim can mean not being able to equally explore, connect with, benefit from, and fall in love with the dominant coastal spaces, creatures, and habitats.

It also means unequal access to sporting opportunities and careers in ocean-related fields. We explore ways to increase recreational access to the ocean for women in tropical coastal communities: swimming, snorkeling, diving, and surfing, as well as the impacts of learning to swim and immerse themselves in these activities on women, their families, and their communities.

This image depicts a Maldivian woman who has recently learned to swim, immersing herself in the beauty of a reef she has always lived beside but never experienced.

WOMAN IS STRONGER THAN WE THINK

Photographer: Marlène Storti  |  Country: Switzerland

An accomplished athlete and an incredible mother-to-be. These two aspects must be showcased to allow other women to believe in themselves and to remain or become the strong woman they want to be.

FEMALE FOOTBALL

Photographer: Michael Dula  |  Country: Kenya

This was a football competition between players with intellectual disabilities and players without. The idea was to form inclusive football teams so that players with and without intellectual disabilities could interact while playing football together.

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 en route to the title – this victory came two years after she suffered a near-fatal car crash that left her with severe injuries, preventing her from participating in 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 adapted for blind and partially sighted players. It has been governed by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) since 1996. Blind cricket relies on the common use of the sweep shot to maximize the chances for the batter 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 in an open-air environment, as it can be very difficult to hear the cricket ball amidst the background noise of public places. If the cricket learners do well in such circumstances, 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, gender expectations have been reversed, as boys cheer on the goalkeeper looking to clear the ball. In India, girls and women are overwhelmingly sidelined in sports, with only 11% of registered football players being girls.

Overtake – Every weekend, these girls chalk the grounds and weave the nets to prepare for match day. In addition to their schoolwork, girls in India take on extra responsibilities at a very early age, including cooking and cleaning at home. Inspired by sports, they work hard to finish their chores so they can arrive at the grounds on time to help set up their own pitch.

Overcome – Peering through a window onto the pitch, the community sees confident and strong girls fighting hard to score goals. These valuable attributes are not often encouraged in their community lives. Sports provide these girls with the opportunity to develop and grow as strong individuals. The 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 the 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 is unique. Her 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 in the Africa Cup 3×3 final despite a tough injury. It’s not the first time she has played with pain. She suffered an ACL tear during the final game in the Women’s Cairo League but won the game against all odds. In spite of her 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 5, 2024, in Bologna (Italy), against British champion Jordan Barker Porter. Pamela left Cameroon in 2014, when she was only eight years old, to join her father in Italy and later choose to study nursing. During an internship at a homeless shelter, she discovered boxing and has since then grown stronger every day, 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, only to conquer the EBU title one year later.

EQUAL STROKES

Photographer: Lizaan Smit  |  Country: South Africa

On the sports field in the small fishing town of Gansbaai, South Africa, amidst a sea of boys playing hockey 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 that every stroke of the ball carries the weight of equality.

The girl is practicing in the Sports Development Programme hosted by the Grootbos Foundation.