Summer vacation in Afghanistan: Women fight for freedom and sport

Summer vacation in Afghanistan: Women fight for freedom and sport

In Afghanistan there is a remarkable change in the field of tourism, despite the continuously strict political conditions under the Taliban government. Somaya Moniry, an Afghan tourism entrepreneur, starts her tour in front of a light blue front door and shows foreign tourists the sides of the country, which are often overlaid by western reporting. Your program includes Taekwondo training, led by an Afghan trainer, in a gym in which twenty young women are active. These women who wear taekwondo suits and headscarves represent a certain level of self-determination, even if women's and girls sport in Afghanistan is severely restricted. FAZ.net reports that Moniry has obtained the approval of the Tourismus in Kabul to organize such tour represent.

The Taliban want to bring foreign exchange through the promotion of tourism and improve their international image. Foreign tourists are welcomed at the airport with a "welcome to Afghanistan", but have to register with the secret service. Moniry has the courage to show her homeland and offers insights into life apart from conflicts. This also includes a visit to a saint, where women come together on women's days.

sport for women and girls

The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan remains critical. After the Taliban took over the power, women are largely excluded from sport. The Afghan national girls' soccer team is now training in Portugal after the players were saved in September 2021 with their families from Afghanistan. Deutschlandfunk explains that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of the Taliban government has imposed female athletes, otherwise the exclusion of Afghanistan is threatened by international competitions. Friba Rezayee, the first Afghan Olympionician, draws a tough conclusion about the fortense of the IOC and calls for an immediate exclusion.

The Taliban continues to allow men access to sports, while women are very disadvantaged in this regard. For many Afghan women, sport is considered life -threatening, which makes it even more difficult to find social freedom. Some athletes have left the country, while others don't want their sports talent anymore and burned their awards. Moniry, on the other hand, gives women a room with their tours and offers to show themselves and be active, even if access to parks and leisure locations is severely restricted.

FIFA is criticized because it does not take a step to prevent the exclusion of the women's football team. Women are not allowed to visit national parks and sights in Afghanistan, while tourists from abroad are welcome. Despite all the adversities, the efforts of many Afghan women to realize their rights are outrageous, and Moniry gives those among them who still want to take a step forward and visibility. The increasing number of visitors among foreign tourists - 8414 in 2024, which is an increase compared to previous years - show that there is interest in the cultural diversity of Afghanistan, even among the current political realities.

The situation in Afghanistan remains complex. Active voices such as those of Somaya Moniry and Friba Rezayee are crucial to maintain both international dialogue and to create the required space for internal activities of women.