Khalida Popal, a prominent figure in Afghan women’s football, continues her advocacy for women’s rights through the newly formed Afghan women’s refugee football team. As one of the co-founders of Afghanistan’s original women’s national team, Popal continues to advocate for Afghan women. She campaigns vigorously on behalf of their plight in the Western world. She now lives in Denmark, where she is director of the organization Girl Power. All the while, she remains fiercely connected to the Afghan women’s national team.
The Afghan women’s refugee team on the starting line, prepared for the round-robin friendly tournament in Dubai. They’ll be up against sides from Chad, Libya, and the UAE. This campaign represents a historic, triumphant return to international football for Afghan women. It offers an unmatched stage for them to be heard. Inspiration and resilience Popal underscored that the team wants to inspire the world and demonstrate that resilience can bring about extraordinary things.
A New Beginning for Afghan Women in Football
The formation of the Afghan women’s refugee team serves as a vital opportunity for players who have been separated from their home country due to the Taliban’s oppressive regime. That eventual final 23-player squad was decided upon after rigorous training camps both in Sydney and the UK. These camps included talent from across the pond including the UK, Portugal, and Italy. Of the players chosen, thirteen currently call Australia home, showcasing the multi-faceted representation within the team.
Pauline Hamill, who earned 141 caps for Scotland, recently coached Saudi Arabia’s U-20 women’s national team. In July, she became head coach of a new refugee Afghan women’s team. With such a major turnover in staff, her experience will be critical as the team starts this new chapter. Hamill expressed her commitment to supporting these players, highlighting the importance of giving them a chance to pursue their passion in an environment where they can thrive.
“It is not just about football; it is about inspiring others and proving that with hard work and resilience, anything is possible.” – Kereshma Abasi
Though the team can only play friendly matches for now, Popal is looking toward a brighter future. The Afghan Football Federation (AFF) certainly doesn’t have her back. Consequently, the team is unable to compete in competitive matches such as for their Asian Cup qualifying matches. Even with this limitation, Popal is quick to stress that their mission does not stop at sport.
Advocacy Through Sport
Popal’s commitment to being a voice for women’s rights in Afghanistan has strengthened her impact on the international stage. She’s had tea with celebrated activist Malala Yousafzai, cementing her place at the vanguard of education equality and human rights. Her community work includes Girl Power and the Afghan women’s refugee team. Her mission is to uplift the stories of women who continue to be discriminated against and oppressed.
“We want to be the voice for the women of Afghanistan right now in the Western world,” Popal stated, highlighting her desire to shed light on issues that many have forgotten. From her perspective, efforts such as the refugee squad have achieved a good deal. Women’s rights in Afghanistan are far from safe.
“Nobody is talking about Afghanistan. Afghanistan has become an old story.” – Khalida Popal
Popal’s efforts go beyond the football pitch. They are part of a larger struggle for justice and equality. The bedrock of her practice is activism, working to be an advocate for those who can’t be an advocate for themselves. For Afghan female athletes, the new Afghan women’s refugee team provides an important platform. Drawing upon this, Popal says she’s deeply compelled to act for her sisters who are still oppressed.
A Collective Effort
The creation of this team is not a stand-alone effort. It has included partnership and collaboration with organizations such as FIFA. Popal sought the advice of FIFA as she assembled the refugee team. Her goal was to ensure that women’s voices remained central in conversations about Afghan football.
“It’s not a FIFA project, it’s not a one club project, it’s the Afghan women’s football team.” – Khalida Popal
Zali Steggall, an advocate for women’s sports rights, spoke on the urgency of independence in such efforts. She expressed gratitude for FIFA’s commitment but underscored that it should not filter or control women’s voices.
“We are grateful that FIFA is really committed [to] supporting [us]. But it needs to have independence, and the voices of women should not be filtered, should not be controlled.” – Zali Steggall
