A Challenge:
Girls face significant challenges in relation to access to sports rooted in social norms of fears that sports grounds are not safe for girls. This greatly impacts the self-confidence of girls. One of Thamarai’s first projects in Annai nagar was to create an enabling environment for sports so that parents would be at ease and that girls could play easily. We also recognized the need for role models, motivation, and perseverance to inspire courage and aspiration for the girls to play. By addressing these issues, we aimed to provide equal opportunities and resources for girls to thrive, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.
The Solution:
We organized engaging meetings with the girls in the village, introducing them to the sport-frisbee. We dedicated time for training sessions led by female coaches, sharing our own experiences and the benefits of participating in sports. Through these efforts, we aimed to break stereotypes and promote the idea of being a successful role model. After two years of training, our participants were ready to join mixed-gender sports, leading to achievements such as a spirited team award at the Auroville match and selections for regional sectionals in Chennai.
Since three hours of weekly sports wasn’t enough to reach its full potential, we also introduced morning sessions, allowing for focused training and nurturing a sense of initiative and responsibility in the girls.
Future Aspirations:
Looking ahead, our plan is to expand training opportunities, aiming for selections in national and international frisbee competitions for under-20 athletes. Additionally, we aspire to create more coaches in the community, providing guidance and career paths in physical education. This will not only enhance the sports culture but also empower more girls to take on leadership roles, strengthening our commitment to equality and courage.
