Zhahruzaad: inspiring girls in Somalia to unite through sport
Zhahruzaad, 23, started playing football at a very young age, defying the social norms of her community in Somalia, where girls are often discouraged from taking an interest in sport. As well as being a keen sportswoman, she is also a passionate advocate for girls' participation in sport and has since helped establish a safe space for girls to play sport.
“The change I want to see in my community is for them to see me as a capable athlete and to inspire girls to unite through sport,” says Zhahruzaad. “Beyond just an activity, I want girls to see the transformative power of sport in their lives.”
Although football is the most popular sport in Somalia, there are few women’s teams and no national women’s team. Cultural barriers and parental disapproval often prevent women from playing football. Many communities do not understand the value of sports for girls, and there are very few well-maintained sports facilities where girls can participate in sports activities.
Taking the first step
In efforts to meet the need for women to have a safe space to exercise, socialise and take part in motivational programmes, a girls’ sports center was established in Zhahruzaad’s home area. The first of its kind, the centre aims to help women reach their full potential, become physically fit and learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle through exercise, diet and nutrition.
Zhahruzaad says the centre is a space where girls and women can develop their potential, learn valuable skills and gain the confidence to take charge of their future.
“Girls love sports, but there are many challenges within the community that prevent them from participating. I remember when I first joined the centre, there were 60 girls, but now I’m the only one left from that original group. Thankfully, new girls have joined since then.”
Recognising the need for inspiring female ambassadors to encourage other girls to take up sports, Zhahruzaad has been campaigning for girls’ participation in sport. But first she had to build her own confidence. “It started with me. Before I could advocate or become a voice for myself and other girls in sports, I had to build up enough courage.”
Today, Zhahruzaad organises regular training sessions for girls at the centre and visits primary schools to register girls for the football programmes. “Whenever I meet girls who are passionate about sports, I take action,” she says proudly. “Our work goes beyond the pitch. We also empower girls in other important areas of their lives.”
“We hold talks for girls at the centre to raise awareness about protection from violence, including rape, and to campaign against female genital mutilation. Our mission goes beyond sport; we want to equip girls with the knowledge and tools to face life’s challenges.”
“Girls love sports, but there are many challenges within the community that prevent them from participating.”
Zhahruzaad
“It started with me. Before I could advocate or become a voice for myself and other girls in sports, I had to build up enough courage.”
Plan International works with the girls’ fitness centre to promote human rights and strengthen social cohesion through community engagement in sport. By strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations to provide safe spaces for dialogue, girls and young women have the opportunity to participate, express themselves and address the social issues that affect them.
“I believe this collaboration with Plan International will achieve several goals,” says Zhahruzaad. “It will raise awareness in the community about the stigma surrounding girls’ football and break down these stereotypes. It will also help us get more girls involved and give them a safe space to share ideas and discuss issues that affect them.”
On her future ambitions in sport, Zhahruzaad says: “My personal dream is to represent Somalia in women’s sport and compete internationally. I hope that our government will actively support girls’ participation in sports by organising more tournaments and encouraging their social interaction and growth.”
“Yes, change is possible,” she concludes.
Categories: Youth empowerment
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