Transition to adulthood: A clarion call for sports as an intervention for girls.

A soccer field seems an unlikely venue for implementing the reproductive health and population agenda. Picture that field overrun with adolescent girls however-girls mastering skills gaining respect for their bodies demonstrating achievement to their communities-and the concept of sport as an intervention becomes clearer. In a recent commentary Population Council associate Martha Brady sets forth an argument for sports programs as a way to empower and inform girls a goal assuming prominence in the Council and other non-governmental organizations concerned with womens rights and human development. "Girls are under tremendous pressure to begin sexual activity and childbearing early. We must address the whole girl and give her the skills and knowledge she needs to exert more control over her life. It makes sense to reach girls at work school and play" says Brady. (excerpt)