Gamechangers
Thursday 5 February 2009
Hani Mohamed tells us about football and her role in the Nike Gamechangers campaign.
Discrimination
Sexism discriminates someone for their gender and is quite common in sports, especially football.
Hani Mohamed, 18, who is a member of The Brent Ladies Football Club explains, "All my female friends like to play football, but it is seen as a boys’ sport. This negativity stops young women from taking part."
Discrimination also comes through other forms, "If a female footballer, educator or mentor came on TV, people focus on their femininity rather than their achievements."
But it’s not just girls who get discriminated, some boys do too – and people also get discriminated for their sexuality and race. The most important thing is to realise where the issues are and how to address them, rather than pointing the blame.
Young people and sports
Hani, who says she probably would have ended up on the streets if it wasn’t for football, advises anyone who is interested in getting in to sports to be in, "Good physical and mental health to be able to focus well in education and work too."
She encourages people to not be afraid of negativity – no matter where it is coming from, "People should be free to choose a sport without being afraid that they will be laughed at or called names."
Gamechangers
This online community aims to break down the stereotypes and discrimination in sports.
The Nike Gamechangers site states, "It’s about all of us. Working together. As a team. Because when we play together, the competition – global warming, HIV, poverty, inequality, despair – doesn’t stand a chance."
For Hani, Gamechangers means, "A voice for female participation in sport. It is a place where we can celebrate our achievements and our freedom."
Inspiring females through sport
For the past couple of months, Gamechangers has been calling all sporting ladies to join its Change the Game for Women in Sport competition.
It’s encouraging females to take part in inspiring projects that get them involved in sport. As of today, there are already 181 projects entered from 35 countries, plus another 1387 projects nominated worldwide!
There’s still time to enter or nominate a team – but be quick, it ends soon.
Here's what some of the Nike girls think about discrimination in sport.
The Brent Ladies Football Club
Hani’s club has been nominated to enter the competition.
The clubs projects aren't just about kicking a ball around though, "The Club offers more than football – education, workshops, health and nutrition advice, volunteering opportunities, trips," explains Hani.
As well as playing in football tournaments watched by the whole community, the girls are trained to understand the role of the media and marketing skills, and get access to schemes to become qualified sports coaches and referees.
After the competition, Hani and the rest of the girls will be taking part in BBC Sports – Your Game and International Women’s Day 2009 – keep your eyes peeled.
