Sports we have seen how the popularity, pride and respect for successful athletes can break the barriers of gender inequality and promote human rights.
In Afghanistan, women are allowed to participate in sports but the prejudices and discrimination against girls and women are still very evident when it comes to accepting their role in sports. Too often traditional norms and practices deny girls and women their right to participate in sports and be physically active. Also because, being physically active is not seen as important for Afghanistan girls, many girls never get to practice and develop in their skills and stay fit and healthy through sports. It is a sad fact that many Afghan sports women receive threats and struggle to justify their hobby.
.jpeg)
ld bring them fun and new friends, and advance their health and wellbeing. Limited mobility combined with uneven access to education and employment makes girls and women lack a sense of personal worth and dignity.
Still, against all odds, we have met several successful Afghan girls and women who fulfil their dreams in sports. Athletes, who are driven by a strong motivation to succeed and triumph. They stand as role model for all men and women in Afghanistan as well as the international community.
In August, 25-year old Zeinab Hussaini with three other women ran an unofficial marathon from the Paghman Valley to Kabul. These brave young female runners carry huge symbolic value as they generate opportunities and space for other Afghan women to follow their footsteps.
Then we have the female stars that fill Afghans with pride. Such as Olympic runner Tahmina Kohistani who may have been the most interviewed athlete at the 2012 Olympics. And female boxer Sadaf Rahimi, who inspired so many girls to take up the boxing gloves. Volleyball, soccer, cycling – new heroes are emerging in spite of all obstacles the trend is clear: Afghan girls and women want their space in the world of sports.
In societies where girls have fewer occasions to interact beyond one’s own family sports can support girls in their growth into adulthood and becoming community members. Games and exercises provide a natural environment to learn and strengthen team work and leadership abilities. This stimulates commitment and determination and also engenders team spirit, solidarity and respect for others. Qualities that benefit everyone in society and which are much needed in Afghanistan were women’s empowerment is still lagging far behind the rest of the world.
We therefore call on all Afghan husbands, fathers and brothers – and on the Afghan Government – to support women and girls in an active life with sports.
View expressed in this article are of the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Pajhwok’s editorial policy.
