For the love of the game: Indian women defy sexism, abuse to chase football dream
- Three young women from a Muslim community outside Mumbai have had to dribble past societal barriers to earn their football coaching credentials
- The trio sneaked out of their homes and faced numerous physical beatings as they tried to earn a place in the male-dominated world of football
Because of their love for the beautiful game, Fatima Shaikh, 18, and Kulsum Shaikh, 19, (no relation) have had to endure the ugly side of humanity.
The pair from Mumbra, a Muslim community outside India’s Mumbai city, have encountered all manners of sexism and misogyny, including being told by male football coaches to “not play like girls”, or being assaulted and threatened by their families if they stepped on the pitch.
One time, Fatima’s brother repeatedly struck her with a frying pan. Kulsum woke up one morning to find that her brother had torn her leggings in an attempt to prevent her from playing again.
Their persistence and fortitude paid off in October, as they realised their dreams of becoming football coaches. Fatima, Kulsum, as well as 21-year-old Madina bi Maqbool earned their first major coaching licence, helping them take a giant step towards becoming professional football coaches.
