Using Sport and Art to Fight Gender-Based

Using Sport and Art to Fight Gender-Based

At Usawa League, our mission has always been to empower women and youth through sport, education, and advocacy. On Tuesday 17th December 2024, we had the honor of hosting a powerful Instagram Live conversation with Satang Doumbya, the founder and Creative Director of Artlight, and the current Advocacy and Campaign Officer of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV).

Satang is a passionate human rights defender known for her unwavering commitment to gender equity and youth empowerment. Her work focuses on building a society that is safe, just, and inclusive—especially for women and girls. During the Live session, we explored the critical topic of gender-based violence (GBV)—its root causes, long-term consequences, and, most importantly, the collective solutions we can implement to combat it.

Unpacking Gender-Based Violence

Satang provided key insights into how GBV is perpetuated by unequal power dynamics, harmful traditional practices, and systemic silence around abuse. She emphasized that GBV not only impacts individuals physically and emotionally but also hinders community development and disrupts social cohesion.

We discussed the psychological toll of abuse on survivors and how trauma can ripple through families and generations. Satang highlighted the importance of safe spaces, education, and community-led responses in breaking cycles of violence.

Sport as a Tool for Resistance: Spotlight on Kaay Fipu

One of the highlights of the conversation was our discussion around Kaay Fipu, an Usawa League program that uses kickboxing as a means to combat GBV. This initiative empowers young women by equipping them with self-defense skills, boosting their confidence, and fostering a sense of solidarity and control over their bodies.

Through Kaay Fipu, we aim to transform sport into a form of resistance, healing, and prevention. Satang applauded the program’s unique approach, noting how physical strength and mental resilience go hand-in-hand in the fight for gender justice.

Collective Action and Creative Expression

As both a creative and an activist, Satang also emphasized the power of art and storytelling in advocacy. She explained how platforms like Artlight use creative expression to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and inspire change.

Our conversation ended with a call to action: to educate, engage, and empower. Whether through sport, art, or community campaigns, we all have a role to play in ending GBV and building a more equitable society.

Watch the Replay

If you missed the live session, we invite you to watch the full conversation on our Instagram page @usawaleague. Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep taking action.

Together, we fight. Together, we rise.