Hussa K. Al Khalifa, Ph.D.’s Post

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Board of Directors | Steering Council | Sport in the Arabian Gulf

In 2014, I was honored to contribute to the team who made it possible for women who wear hijabs to play in football tournaments. But this freedom still isn’t enjoyed by all women in the world. For example, French athletes are banned from wearing hijabs in the 2024 Olympic Games. Here’s my take on this: → We’re trying to get more girls and women into sports. So why are we excluding many Muslim women? It doesn’t make any sense. If we’re encouraging girls and women to play, they should be able to play in whatever clothes they feel comfortable in. → France has one of the largest Muslim population in Europe. And yet, the rules implicitly exclude them from sports. → The goal of the Olympic Movement is to use sport to build a peaceful and better world. Without discrimination of any kind. The ban is clearly at odds with that. We need a complete overturn of the hijab ban so that all women can freely play sports. Regardless of their religious or cultural background. It's time to ensure inclusivity and equality for everyone in the sports arena.

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Maeve Farrell

Textiles tutor and MA student

6mo

So wait, is this ‘French athletes’ or ‘athletes in France’ ? Are non-French women who wear hijabs to be allowed to wear them when competing , but women from the host nation won’t ?

Roberta Michel

Business Developer | Women's Soccer Specialist since 2000 | FIFA Agent

6mo

I couldn't agree more with you Hussa K. Al Khalifa, Ph.D.! Sport should be accessible, safe, and fun for everyone to be part of and enjoy. Creating inclusive sports is the right thing to do because, ultimately, it nurtures a society that gives everyone a sense of belonging and in the end that's what's is all about, isn't it? 😊

Sandrine Nzeukou, MBA

The Business of Sports in Africa + the Middle East

6mo

I would love to see more brands leading this conversation! Nike designed the first globally available hijab for athletes and they should be championing this effort. We need to be lowering the access to sport for girls and women not increasing it.🙏🏿

Shareen Qureshi

Former Market Development Director at Barclays| Founder SportsTech Global Conference|SportsTech Global Fund|Astel Ventures|Mentor

6mo

Hussa K. Al Khalifa, Ph.D. this is very dear to my heart. 0.01% representation of Muslims women having any sports coverage or opportunities . It’s a sad reality from Pitch media brand through to leadership. We need to shift the why and focus on HOW!

Syed Armaghan Ali

Corporate Growth Manager at Karkao Studios

6mo

Hussa K. Al Khalifa, It's time to embrace diversity and ensure all women, regardless of their background, can freely participate in sports.

You have my support 100%

Wilco van Buuren

Football coach/manager

6mo

I support you👌👌👌

Cleo Pokpas

Sports Science Institute of South Africa l Sports and Business Development

6mo

Any form of exclusion should be called!

Karen Webb Moss

Chair AQUATICS GB. Chair MORE THAN EQUAL. Strategic Adviser - Nation, Reputation, organisational Brand transformation, crisis management, marketing & communications. Experienced senior executive FIFA 2022, IOC, OPLC

6mo

Screaming absolute support and loudly!!

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