With eyes full of dreams, glitter and shine, a child take his/her first step. With same enthusiasm, love and immense warmth s/he greets, cuddle, play with people around. Devoid of social constructs, convulated realities, mindless expectations and a world full of hate, malice, debauchery, a child leads her/his life.
Things somehow change when the child is cultured, taught by dejected, grieving, hateful grown ups.
The grown ups who were once a carefree and happy children themselves, albiet raised by not so happy, not so carefree beings. The vicious cycle, indeed.
Here's a story of a girl from a small village in Pakistan's Chitral Valley who dreamt of being a footballer: Karishma Ali.
Image source: Forbes
Ali was a curious child, raised in a supportive family, with gender defined rules and norms. Even though, her father always encouraged his wife and children to lead a life of their dreams, the question remains: Why a daughter or a wife needs a supportive father or a husband to lead their dream lives? Have you ever heard a man needing a nod of his mother or wife to pursue what he dreams to? In most of the cases the answer will be, NO.
When I hear girls crediting their fathers for the support, it makes me wonder how rare is this thing? Aren't family meant to be your support system? Aren't your parents should be your first and foremost cheerleaders? Then why a big fuss about a father supporting his daughter? I know you know, SOCIETY.
A society that never questions a boy and his dreams, but have bagful of advices, discouragements, abuses and in Ali's case 'death threats' for a woman to pursue her dreams. Why?
Ali didn't aim to challenge the status quo, but as a young girl watching football on her television screen she knew this is what she wanted to do. She was just 9 when she decided to be a footballer. That day and today, the 23-year-old has smashed gender stereotypes in a country where women's rights are second to men. Where girls feel blessed to have a professional life otherwise they too would be married at a young age and cater to the household responsibilities for the rest of their lives.
According to a 2020 Human Rights Watch report early marriage "remains a serious problem" in Pakistan, with 21% of girls married before the age of 18 (UNICEF).
Image Source: Instagram/Karishmaaliofficial
Ali, with the support of her father and 10 years of training was selected to represent Pakistan in an international tournament, though it did not come under the umbrella of the Pakistan Football Federation in 2016. She and her family never disclosed the news of her playing football to anyone, however, after her selection there was no hiding. The news was reported in media and she was bombarded with the unexpected.
She received death threats. An 18-year-old girl who should have been celebrating the news of her selection was now thinking to give up her dream. She told CNN in an interview, "I received messages saying 'if you continue to do this, we will kill you when you come back, or your legs should be chopped off' ... I was only 18 years old and thought maybe I should stop."
Soon she evaded the negative thoughts, death threats and decided to fight for her dreams, she went ahead with the tournament and rest is history.
Last year, Ali featured in Forbes 30 under 30 list in Asia. She is the first woman from her region to have played football at a national and international level. She founded Chitral Women's Sports Club to encourage girls in the region to play football. But, in her words, "a lot needs to be done."
Ali now aims to empower young girls and help them achieve their dreams, she hopes to see a society
"where men and women are working equally, where women do not have to stress about traditional customs, and be able to freely do what they can and see that I was part of all of this change."
About the Author
Prakriti S is a foodie, wildlife photographer, geo-politics enthusiast, and a woman activist.
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