Skateistan launches “It’s Her Turn” campaign to empower girls

The campaign is called “It’s Her Turn,” and focuses on girls’ empowerment and the importance of female role models for girls and young women. As part of the campaign Mimi Knoop, Zorah Olivia, Norma Ibarra, Raisa Abal, Olga Aguilar and Hannah Bailey have donated photographs of female skaters to showcase the power of women supporting other women.

Skateistan runs programs in its five locations around the world (Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif and Bamyan in Afghanistan; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Johannesburg, South Africa) and focuses on providing safe spaces for girls, who are often excluded from sports and educational activities. Around half of Skateistan students are girls and all Skate Schools have female General Managers, providing role models for young girls who might otherwise be limited in their expectations. Because of Skateistan, the highest concentration of female skateboarders in the world can be found in northern Afghanistan.

Around the world and in many aspects of life, girls are second in line. Society teaches girls to lower their expectations, to accept second best. Girls are pushed into a role in life which is predetermined. They are prevented from realizing their full potential. The current situation with Covid-19 only highlights these issues, particularly in places like Afghanistan, South Africa and Cambodia. Girls are now taking on more of the household chores, more at risk from violence due to increased tensions and stress at home, and less likely to return to school once restrictions are lifted.

The campaign delves into the idea of role models through four stories of Skateistan students who have been inspired by their female educators at Skateistan. Sara is on the girls’ soccer team at Skateistan Mazar-e-Sharif and describes how her educator, Mubaraka, inspires her in all aspects of her life. In turn, Mubaraka was also a student at Skateistan and explains that she was inspired to chase her dreams by Zainab, who is now Country Manager for Skateistan in Afghanistan.

Throughout the campaign, Skateistan will be introducing four different role models that inspire the next generation of leaders in their programs. From Skateistan educator Sophea in Phnom Penh who was first a rule breaking student, to Wendy in Johannesburg who sees herself in all of the students she teaches, our female staff and students inspire others and their wider communities. Skateistan’s aim is to support girls to build a better future in which they can thrive.

It’s Her Turn aims to raise $75,000 and will run until the end of July. The campaign will benefit Skateistan students in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa. Around the world, Skateistan has around 2,500 active students, half of whom are girls. Visit the Skateistan website to learn more and donate.