Sports Activities and Gender Equality for Refugees in Greece

This report investigates the use of sports activities as a means of improving the mental health and well-being of refugees in Greece, with a particular focus on gender equality. The study explores the initiatives of organizations like METAdrasi in providing sports programs as an alternative to traditional mental therapies. It examines the benefits of sports in fostering social and cultural development, promoting ethical practices, and breaking down social barriers. The report details a business plan focused on integrating refugees into mainstream sports, including football, basketball, and track and field, while ensuring equal participation for both genders to combat patriarchal stereotypes. Qualitative data analysis, including thematic analysis, reveals the positive impact of sports on social well-being and the development of responsibility among refugees. The report concludes with recommendations for expanding sports programs to support the mental health and gender equality of refugees in Greece, emphasizing the importance of these activities in creating a sense of belonging and reducing mental health issues.

Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
IMPLEMENTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES WITHOUT MENTAL THERAPIES FOR
REFUGEES IN GREECE FOCUSSING ON GENDER EQUALITY
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Abstract
In the context of Greece, the situation demands a bit more speculation because of the
huge proportion of refugees who seek shelter in the country. Involvement in sports does not
remain encompassed within the goals of psychical treatment but moves beyond that barrier to
ensure economic empowerment as well. While speculating through these issues of several NGOs
came up in the notice of the researcher, one of them is METAdrasi, an NGO which is focused on
migrants and their development.
The endeavor of this paper would be to excavate and speculate on the initiatives taken by
mentioned by the NGO towards the sustainability of these refugee groups. A positive social and
cultural development can be worked as a major factor in growing the moral ethics among people.
Developmental cultural practices can express the cultural value of people. On doing ethical
practises the self-expansion to the inner world can lead towards a greater open-mindedness.
Metadrasi is trying to omit the mental tests from the equation and trying a new approach so they
can feel happy and they do not feel that they are not being a test subject.
The new strategy will be sports, sports is the ground where any gender or any religion and
other social barriers can be removed. The boys and the girls will be taking the chance equally
and it is hoped that a positive vibe will flow through the field. Thus, in the event that groups are
facilitating competitions, a different spending plan ought to be made for those occasions.
Facilitating a competition includes a huge arrangement of costs just as the gathering of expenses
from taking an interest group. The club treasurer or selected staff ought to deal with this occasion
independently from the general group spending plan.
The business plan mainly focused on involving refugees into mainstream sports activities
such as football, basketball, volleyball, track and field and hockey. For this reason, a budget was
set so that training and coaching can be provided to individual male and female teams. If this
business plan related to sports activities developed by METAdrasi becomes successful, it can
eradicate linguistic and cultural barriers among the refugees in Greece. Additionally, the business
plan holds a mission to engage an equal number of females in every concerned sports activities
event, so that the stereotype of being a patriarchal community can be easily broken.
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Group games help people to bond among themselves. It gives the people the essence of
belonging in a large family. This can be very helpful for people who suffer from loneliness and
mental issues. That can be solved by the games. There is a social benefit of the games as they
reduce mental health issues. Competitive games can also be depression cutter. Sports events
where people can participate can reduce loneliness as it demands concentration on the games
only. Sports have the power to control one’s emotions, stress, fear, joy and relationship with
others.
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Acknowledgement
I have determined to state my gratefulness to those people who have encouraged me to
perform, prolong and absolute this project work. Thus, the name of my family should be
mentioned here. Apart from that, my loved ones and friends have always supported me in all step
of the project. Most significantly, I am gratified to my professor as without whose help it would
be impracticable for me to complete the project.
Thanks and Regards
______________________________________
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction....................................................................................................................6
1.1. Justification of the selected Research Topic.........................................................................6
1.2. Research Rationale...............................................................................................................6
1.3 Research Aim.........................................................................................................................7
1.4 Research Objectives...............................................................................................................7
1.5 Research Questions................................................................................................................7
1.6 Research Approach................................................................................................................7
1.7 Justification for the chosen Research Approach....................................................................8
1.8 Research Outline....................................................................................................................8
1.9 Summary................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Summary of Literature Review......................................................................................9
2.1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................9
2.2. Benefits of gender equality in sports among the refugees residing in Greece......................9
2.3. Gender Balance and Equality in Decision-Making in Sports in the refugee camps.............9
2.4. Concept of Gender Equality...............................................................................................10
2.5. Theory Models of Gender Equality....................................................................................10
2.5. Importance of Sports in bringing Gender Equality.............................................................13
Chapter 3: Body of the thesis.........................................................................................................14
3.1. Current situation describing the research process..............................................................14
3.2. Business strategy................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 Strategic approach to host campaigns for the refugees................................................16
3.2.2 Sports strategies for the refugees by introducing sports...............................................17
Small-scale Research development...........................................................................................27
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Chapter 4: Analysis........................................................................................................................31
4.1 Qualitative Data Analysis....................................................................................................31
4.2 Thematic Analysis...............................................................................................................33
4.2.1 Sporting Events pave the way for the refugees to develop a social well-being...........33
4.2.3 Gender Equality within the refugees allow them to empower their outlook and develop
a strong sense of responsibility..............................................................................................34
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations............................................................35
5.1 Summary..............................................................................................................................35
5.2 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................36
5.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................36
Appendix........................................................................................................................................42
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1. Justification of the selected Research Topic
The importance of sports in our daily lives cannot be ignored and with the changes in the
global scenario participation from all the genders are increasing simultaneously. Sports as an
institution is not remaining by the male as it used to be before. Though notable changes in the
participation of women in the sports-related activities have increased all over Europe, the need to
act upon Gender Equality still remains to be an issue of greater importance (Anderson et al. 80-
95). However, the most significant contribution of sports lies in the values of respect and
discipline that it inculcates in its people. In the context of the globalized business scenario, sports
activities in enhancing gender equality can sound odd. However, sport activities are considered
as a therapy among the refugees who have faced long-term gender inequality.
1.2. Research Rationale
In the context of Greece, the situation demands a bit more speculation because of the huge
proportion of refugees who seek shelter in the country. “The turmoil a refugee needs to go
through while transcending the border and along with that the idea of homelessness inflicting
upon the person, which in most cases takes the form of mental trauma or psychical disposition
(Cheung-Gaffney 208). Efforts have been taken on behalf of different NGOs to cater to this
psychical crisis in a different way from the conventional way.
The NGOs tried to use sports as a method to fight the psychical issues of the people by
creating an alternative method of therapy. Their primary focus is on introducing gender equality
into the domain of sports. “By creating gender sensitization and ensuring equal participation
from different genders, the involvement of refugees has been encouraged” (Clough et al. 963-
968). Involvement in sports does not remain encompassed within the goals of psychical
treatment but moves beyond that barrier to ensure economic empowerment as well. While
speculating through these issues of several NGOs came up in the notice of the researcher, one of
them is METAdrasi, an NGO which is focused on migrants and their development. The endeavor
of this paper would be to excavate and speculate on the initiatives taken by mentioned by the
NGO towards the sustainability of these refugee groups.
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
1.3 Research Aim
This research aims to evaluate the importance of sports in the development of the mental
health of refugees in Greece.
1.4 Research Objectives
● To identify the impact of sports activities among the mental health of refugees in Greece
● To highlight the effectiveness of involving in physical activities like sports in the life of
refugees in Greece
● To analyse the ethical importance of sports and its long term effects among the refugees
in their mental health in Greece
● To recommend the developmental approach of sports in maintaining the mental health of
the refugees of Greece
1.5 Research Questions
The research is based on the idea to identify the impact of the sports activity on the
mentality of the refugees. By overviewing the objectives of research following questions can be
listed:
● What is the beneficial approach in accordance with the current scenario in improving the
mental health of refugees?
● How sports can play an important role and what are its effects on the mental health of
refugees?
● How gender equality is correlated with the implementation of sports in improving the
view of society?
● How gender equality can be established through the activity of sports?
1.6 Research Approach
Business plan is one of the most important strategic approaches. All the approaches that
have to be taken in future are discussed here in a business plan. There has to be a clear goal of
the business and to achieve that goal all the methodologies and approaches are being followed.
Depending upon the nature and the background of the business a proper framework is done
(Farhat et al. 40). Focussing on the internal and external factors the proper planning of any
business is done. Any business plan includes various tools among them the decision-making tool
is very much important. With proper analysis and observation, a business plan is made.
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
1.7 Justification for the chosen Research Approach
Here in this field of research, proper strategic planning has been followed. Here the research
goal is to find the effectiveness as well as the value of sports in improving the mental health of
refugees in Greece (Kousoulis et al. 122). Along with this an equally important issue comes that
is the importance of gender equality and also the implementation of gender equality through
sports among the refugees. In this discussion, a proper plan has been followed. Keeping in mind
the clear view of the optimal goal of research all the necessary steps has been taken. All the
analysis is done by following a proper methodology. The framework of this plan is also done
with a proper evaluation of all possible way of occurrence (Pajic et al. 159-172). For reaching the
effective goal of research an unbiased and neutral way of approach has been followed. And in
terms of evaluation and conclusion, all the necessary explanation has been mentioned here.
1.8 Research Outline
In this research, the researcher has been discussed about the impact and effectiveness of the
sports in case of dealing with the mental health of refugees in Greece. Here the role of sports in
the physical as well as mental health of the refugees is discussed very carefully (Giannakopoulos
et al.1271). The necessary of the gender equality along with the impact of it is also discussed.
Comparing the statistical data and researching various secondary data a standard level of
discussion and a transparent observation of the research have been presented. In quest of the
knowledge, all the research questions are discussed efficiently. And finally, the necessity of
sports in developing the mental health of refugees of Greece if elaborated properly.
1.9 Summary
This topic of the importance of sports in the mental health of the refugees in Greece is
discussed in this field of research. Assimilating all the data and comparing with those data with
the secondary data a valuable frame of work has been done. In this chapter, the data analysis and
body of the thesis has been discussed. In the next chapter, the review of literature has been
discussed. Along with this the overall method of this particular research also has been discussed.
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
Chapter 2: Summary of Literature Review
2.1. Introduction
One of the significant actions that must be considered in the refugee camps is to bring
equality in gender by spreading the awareness of it. It will help in bringing better protection for
the returnees, refugees and the stateless and to those who can be considered to be the people who
are dislocated internally. Men, women, boys, and girls must be given equal opportunities to bring
about equality in gender (Kalogeraki 22). Engaging them in the activities of sports is the best
action that can be taken in order to bring the dislocated mentalities into one singular framework.
2.2. Benefits of gender equality in sports among the refugees residing in Greece
The limitation of inequality among gender can be considered to be an opportunity that is
missed in the sector of sports. Gender equality in sports will be a great advantage for the role of
women refugees in the upcoming future. It will give them the rights from which they have been
deprived for a long time. It will also help in bringing diversification in sports as well as in the
therapies given to that of the refugees (Morela et al. 211-225). It will help in drawing attention
from the other members, indulging them indirectly into being an active member of the
organization of the refugees. It will even add positively to the superiority of the service that is
being presented as the women refugees will be giving a different ideal of the model for the girls
and that of the boys (Hermans et al. 851-854). The right training will also give the women
refugees the platform to enhancing their lives with the career to that of the sports.
2.3. Gender Balance and Equality in Decision-Making in Sports in the refugee camps
The behaviors of the men and women, and their different attitudes and values can be
considered to be the main barriers for women refugees in the role of decision-making and in
acquiring managerial positions. This is, however, related to that of equal rights, gender
administration and roles in the society in the broader way (Morela et al. 24-30). The processes of
the organization in the governing bodies of the sports in the refugee camps acts as a barrier, as
they are correlated to jobs depending of sexual features. Hence, certain characteristics are
defined as the masculine features which are considered to be needed. The process of co-option in
terms of sports leads to the reproduction of the homologous; it is here that the leaders tend to
recruit members who are alike themselves (Joseph et al. 214-285). Women do not tend to
participate and hence they are marginalized. Additionally, men are women are employed for
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
different positions in the camps. The positions of the higher-order are not given to that of the
women. “The male culture also acts as a barrier here as it leaves out the women or does not draw
or hold out large groups of the women” (Lamb 72). If the women refugees are being equally
involved in sports in the refugee camps, it will help them in their upcoming future for making
decisions. It will also help men to change their outlook regarding women.
2.4. Concept of Gender Equality
Gender equality implies equal access to all field of concern irrespective of gender.
Utilisation of all resources and taking part in all rituals as well as phenomena without any biasing
of male-female discrimination is considered as gender equality. As the world is achieving the
ultimate step of success, still in some countries the discrimination of gender has become a major
issue to the way that countries' development (Shortall et al. 272-280). Gender equality is not only
a fundamental right but also it is a symbol of a prosperous world. It can be reported that in every
minute 1 out of 5 women are tolerating the violence only because of this discrimination. Physical
as well as sexual harassment of women has become a great matter of concern. In under
developing countries as well as in developing countries the scenario of domestic violence has
turned into a burning problem to the society (Morela et al. 211-225). The concept of
discrimination among male and female leads to the criminal offence like the killing of female
fetus. Hence the need of gender equality lies to maintain the sustainability of the world and by
giving equal value to male and female to develop a prosperous society. Many developed
countries are taking initiatives to remove gender discrimination. Imposing various rules and
regulation the curse of gender discrimination can be abolished.
2.5. Theory Models of Gender Equality
Gender equality and women's empowerment both the terms are correlated. Discrimination of
women in various field of development as well as in domestic world has become a serious issue
now a day. “Being equally eligible women are not getting equal fair evaluation everywhere”
(Wain 20). This behaviour of the society to the women shoes the sick mentality of modern
society. This has become a crisis in the world. To overcome this crisis various developing
countries are taking many initiatives. Many theoretical as well as practical approaches are being
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Implementing Sports Activities without Mental Therapies for Refugees in Greece Focusing on Gender Equality
taken to improve the condition of women. In discussing the models of gender equality following
points can be considered.
1. Theory of Economic Development: To develop an unbiased and discrimination-free
society, it is very much needed to develop the society economically. When any country
will be developed in terms of its economic value the country will automatically step
toward the modernisation. If the per capita income of a country increases it leads to an
increased GDP of that country (Kalogeraki 22). When the GDP of that country will be
higher, the developmental fields of that country will be modified. More participation of
women in any field may seen as per need of the country's development. Along with an
increasing economy, all other factors of socio-cultural development will be modernised.
2. Theory of cultural development: A positive social and cultural development can be
worked as a major factor in growing the moral ethics among people. Developmental
cultural practices can express the cultural value of people. On doing ethical practises the
self-expansion to the inner world can lead towards a greater open-mindedness.
“Involvement of the mass into any cultural practices irrespective of gender can open a
path of realisation of the value of the other gender in the field of understanding”
(Mendelsohn et al. 11). Only by following a mixing of thoughts can generate a new way
of self-realisation. Various welfare policies and practices of traditional ritual can help to
wider the path of gender equality.
3. Theory of modernisation in the educational field: Only education can lead a country to
the way of development. And without the equal contribution of both man and woman no
such development can be done. That's why gender equality is needed to develop a
country as a whole. Modernisation in educational sectors can provide the proper
knowledge of women empowerment (Neag 259). Only when a society will be educated
properly, the discrimination can be removed. Establishment of schools, colleges for
women can increase the literacy rate of women. Equal involvement of male and females
in educational institution is a symbol of gender equality.
4. Involvement of women in research and developmental field: It is very much necessary
that the women should equally involve in the field of research and development. Recently
it was reported that the European Union is inspiring women to join into to research and
developmental work for the sake of gender equality (Alcalde et al. 243-269). Though
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