Teaching Adolescent Girls in Rural Zambia about Menstrual Health, Life Choices, and Well-Being with the Traditional Game Nsolo

For decades, local organisations in Zambia have used sport to increase knowledge among young people about sexual reproductive health. Using sport to pursue non-sporting goals like gender equality through sexual reproductive health education is well noted in sport for development and peace literature. However, less is known about the role of traditional games in the delivery of what are now globally known as sport for development and peace programmes. Therefore, this chapter presents findings from research of sport for development and peace programmes and with local organisation in Zambia. The findings provide insights into the historical use of traditional games in Zambia to educate young people, entertain, and prevent cognitive decline among male pensioners before delving into the purpose of driving organisations to more targeted use of the games in rural community settings. The chapter presents implications for researchers, organisations, and international funders. The conclusion expands upon these implications to urge caution against programme delivery that does not consider local values and beliefs and how they may influence adolescent girls&s; knowledge of menstruation.