Woman Footballer Overcomes Societal Limitations

By: Zeina Makarem

While women tend to face stereotype-related difficulties with regards to being football players in Egypt, Farida Salem, an AUCian footballer, said that she did not let those limitations stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Salem said that while there will always be things that weigh down women in sports, their inner strength can push them to reach their maximum ability.

“I plan to become the best player in Egypt, so that I could be later recognized internationally and maybe plway abroad,” said Salem, adding, “I plan to take Egypt to the Women’s World Cup at some point in my life.”

Salem added that what influenced her to excel was the positive feedback and support she received from those around her, especially her family.

She told the Caravan that another factor that helped her reach her goal of being recognized in the football field and getting people to understand that some women can play as skillfully as men was “befriending the guys.”

“Most of the guys I’ve played with have been very supportive and welcoming; they are the reason I can play, and they are the reason I continue to play,” said Salem, adding that they gave her confidence that “brought out” her talent by telling their friends “how this girl can play just as good as any guy they know.

“Even though girls face a variety of obstacles when it comes to sports that are usually male-dominated such as soccer, I think that in recent years it has become more acceptable and less shocking for a girl to play or even be interested in soccer,” said Nadeen Hafez, one of Salem’s teammates and AUC alumna.

In Salem’s opinion, Egyptians are gradually becoming more welcoming to the idea of women playing football, adding that the only problem woman footballers face is the lack of media attention.

“It’s a whole community waiting for you to prove yourself, and actually rooting for you to make it; as the legendary Mia Hamm once said, ‘You may get skinned knees and elbows, but it’s worth it if you score a spectacular goal,’” said Salem.