dw.com
Afghan Sisters Fight for Women's Soccer Amidst Exile and Abuse
In Hamburg, Germany, sisters Shabnam and Mariam Ruhin, former Afghan national soccer players, combat systemic challenges for women in Afghanistan through their \"Spielmacherinnen\" project supporting girls, while advocating for FIFA recognition of the Afghan women's national team in exile to ensure their safety and future.
- How does the \"Spielmacherinnen\" project connect the sisters' personal experiences with their broader commitment to supporting young girls?
- The sisters' initiative highlights the challenges faced by female athletes in Afghanistan and the importance of international support. Their experience with the abuse scandal led to their advocacy for recognition of the Afghan women's national team by FIFA, enabling participation in international matches and providing visibility. This is crucial for the safety and future of women's soccer in Afghanistan.
- What immediate impact did the 2018 sexual abuse scandal within the Afghan Football Federation have on Shabnam and Mariam Ruhin, and what actions did they take in response?
- Two Afghan sisters, Shabnam and Mariam Ruhin, who played for the Afghan national team, founded the \"Spielmacherinnen\" project in 2021 to help girls in Hamburg, Germany, with school and soccer. Facing resistance and a 2018 sexual abuse scandal within the Afghan Football Federation, they left the national team and now support Afghan women's soccer players in exile.
- What are the long-term implications of FIFA's inaction regarding the recognition of the Afghan women's national team in exile, and what systemic issues does this inaction highlight?
- The ongoing struggle of Afghan women soccer players, including Shabnam and Mariam Ruhin, underscores the systemic oppression faced by women in Afghanistan. FIFA's failure to formally recognize the team in exile exacerbates their vulnerability and demonstrates a lack of international protection. This case highlights the urgent need for greater global action beyond symbolic gestures to ensure their safety and promote gender equality in Afghanistan.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is primarily framed around the personal journey and activism of the Ruhin sisters. While their story is compelling and highlights important issues, this framing might overshadow the broader context of women's rights and the systemic challenges faced in Afghanistan. The headline, if one were to be created, could be framed differently to emphasize the plight of Afghan women athletes more broadly.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and objective, focusing on factual reporting and direct quotes. There's a clear effort to avoid loaded language or emotionally charged terms. However, phrases like "wild Taliban" could be seen as subtly biased, though this is likely a direct quote reflecting the experiences of those involved.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of Shabnam and Mariam Ruhin, and while it mentions the plight of other Afghan women footballers, it lacks specific details and individual stories beyond a few mentions. The overall impact of the Taliban takeover on women's lives in Afghanistan is summarized rather than explored in depth. This omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the broader challenges faced by women in the country. More diverse voices and experiences could strengthen the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Ruhin sisters' project, "Spielmacherinnen," empowers young girls through soccer and educational workshops, fostering self-confidence and independence. Their advocacy against abuse in Afghan soccer and support for exiled players highlight their commitment to gender equality and women's rights. The article also demonstrates the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan, particularly in sports, which underscores the importance of promoting gender equality in that context.