MeTae - Break the Silence in Sport: Capacity building of Taekwondo organisations to promote gender equality

MeTae main objective is (1) to support the enhancement of young (14-25 years old) women’s social participation and inclusion (2) equality of women and men in sport activities and (3) the promotion of sport positive values through involvement in Taekwondo training activities. Taekwondo is a free-fighting combat sport using bare hands and feet to repel an opponent. These are the main “tools”, along with thinking, that people involved in this port have in order to also combat inequality, sexism or any stereotypical behavior. Physical mastery of the kicking and self-defense techniques in the traditional training of the martial arts is balanced with the equally important aspect of mental discipline and character formation. As the student walks the traditional path of Taekwondo training and practice, he/she learns patience, discipline, perseverance, modesty, and respect. A person in Taekwondo must practice wisdom and courtesy, along with following the concepts of goodness, virtue, mercy and compassion. In short, the true traditional martial artist seeks to make himself or herself into a better person as they practice in Taekwondo martial arts. Actions: - Training needs assessment of coaches and members of the sport organisations (in total 60, 30 per country, will be called to respond to the TNA) - Establishment of mechanism and assignment of a person responsible for the cases of abuse - Production of a Guide for Organizations to consult - Train 150 Taekwondo young athletes - 3 Sport events These actions seek to extrapolate chain reactions to other sport organisations eager to combat gender inequality. For that reason, the methodologies and tools will be available, open and free to be used by any other interested organisation. Direct beneficiaries: Coaches, trainers and athletes (women, 14-25 years old) Indirect: The general public and parents