Girls just want to play sport!

Hello! My name is Salma. I am a 30 year old woman from Pakistan. I have worn glasses since I was a child so playing sport was always challenging. Growing up, the most common sport was cricket and boys would regularly play cricket on the streets. However, as a girl I was not allowed to play cricket on the streets as mixing between boys and girls was frowned up. Additionally, the environment was not safe for girls due to potential risk of kidnapping and and abuse. When I could play, I found it challenging due to my deteriorating eyesight and I would often struggle to catch the ball.

My school did not have a PE department for girls. It wasn't until I was in a girls college that I was able to play badminton and table tennis during PE lessons. I was also wearing contact lenses by that time so I found it a lot easier to engage in sports by then. As I grew older, my interest in sports and physical interest also increased. It wasn't easy as I had to fight against the cultural beliefs and stigma against women going to the gym and participating in physical sports. I continued my gym training alongside my university education and eventually getting a job. It made a huge difference as I was able to afford contact lenses which improved my self-esteem and built my confidence. I also learned to swim at the age of 23. I am sharing this story because I want girls and women to know that anything is possible if you have the passion and the drive.