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Women's football in the shadow of the Taliban: The fight for visibility in Afghanistan
In Hamburg-Harburg, the Ruhin sisters support young girls with soccer training and education in order to fight against social hurdles.
Women's football in the shadow of the Taliban: The fight for visibility in Afghanistan
Mariam and Shabnam Ruhin, two sisters with Afghan roots, are devoting themselves to football for girls in Hamburg-Harburg with their “Playmakers” project. After the passionate start of the project in 2021, teaching young girls both sporting skills and values, the two sisters have a very special connection to their homeland. “For me, football is a feeling of freedom,” says Shabnam, describing her love for sport. But the road is rocky: they had to assert themselves against prejudices and cultural norms. “Not everyone was happy that we were playing football,” says Shabnam, referring to the abuse scandal in Afghan football that came to light in 2018. Looking back, they feel empowered in their fight for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, where physical activity is taboo for many DW reported.
Escape and hope in exile
The difficult circumstances in Afghanistan have worsened further after the Taliban came to power in 2021. Female footballers who try to defend themselves against oppression live in fear and hardship. Shamsia Amiri, a national player, describes dramatic scenes in which the Taliban take violent action against people. Many national players had to flee into exile, supported by Mariam and Shabnam as well as former captain Khalida Popal. One of the new hopefuls is the “Afghan Women’s Team” in Australia, where the players have been active since 2022 and are campaigning for justice. The Ruhin sisters also campaigned for their national team to be recognized by FIFA. “FIFA has to help us,” demands Shabnam combatively, because without this recognition there is a risk that women will be further pushed out in sport, reports ZDF.
In their quest for visibility and rights for Afghan women, the Ruhins want to draw attention to the fact that the suffering must not be forgotten. Mariam explains: "My voice represents the girls in Afghanistan. As long as I am silent, the women will not be heard either." The sisters are role models and represent the hope of many girls in Afghanistan who strive for a life of freedom and equal rights.