In 1998, World Vision hosted its first women's soccer tournament in northern Ecuador. Initially, many people opposed the idea. Soccer was perceived to be a man's sport. "The championship is part of a project to rescue women's rights," says World Vision staff member Gilberto Moran.

The tournament went ahead with teams from only five of the 19 communities in the area. Dressed in blouses and anacos (traditional skirts), the women defied tradition and played soccer in public for the first time.

By 2000, all 19 communities had women's soccer teams. Husbands and relatives also began to attend the games to show their support.

"Women did not have the right to leave their houses in order to have a time of entertainment because they should do the work at home," says World Vision staff member Eugenia Gualsaqui. She helped promote women's rights workshops and worked with local authorities to uphold the rights of women.

Today, women in these communities are being elected to municipal government positions. Wife abuse is diminishing. What's next for these aspiring women? Volleyball.