For the past few years, women have been trying to stand up to prove to society that they’re every bit as capable as men in any occupation. They have created moments, made speeches, and done a tremendous amount of projects to prove that women can do everything they’re told they can’t. Women have been trying to tackle stereotypes for ages. Now, though, the opportunity is ripe for them to get their voices heard, not just by making speeches, but by taking action in every form.
In October 2015, the first American Football women’s team was formed in Egypt. Yup, you read that right. The Pink Warriors became a reality, bringing together a group of 25 ladies of various ages, interests, and backgrounds who all share one common passion: their love for American football! Ironically, the team was founded by two male Egyptian players.
“We came up with the idea of bringing girls’ American football team to Egypt because we wanted to spread the game. So many girls shared their love for American football, but couldn’t find an official team to play on.” Says Ahmed El-Sewedy, co-founder of Pink Warriors.
What caught the most attention about this team is how they were able to prove to everyone that as women, they could be just as good as men in a sport that requires speed, agility, and endurance. Calosha, Pink Warriors coach, doesn’t view American football as an ordinary sport, to him, “it changes your lifestyle and your overall attitude”. These girls certainly appear to have what it takes!Hadeer, a Pink Warriors member says “Our strongest element in our team is our diversity. We do different things and come from different backgrounds, but we are all Pink Warriors. We are one family, one bond. That’s what makes us strong. That’s why I truly believe in our slogan: Together we stand, divided we fall.” That sense of togetherness and camaraderie is also echoed by her teammate, Noha, who affirms that the experience provides members with “the choice to give up and gain nothing, or to go that extra mile and gain everything. Football teaches us to push harder for the sake of my team.”
This group of strong women defies stereotypes and proves that women can play, and be great, at any type of sport, regardless of whether or not that sport is commonly played in their own country.
It is 2016, and people are finally opening their eyes and realising that people of all ages and all genders can be exactly the same. People are finally breaking the “rules” that have been seemingly set for us years ago, and making new ones.