In Ethiopia a group of girls is challenging stereotypes thanks to the first group of women’s skateboarding of the country
THE’Ethiopia He is experiencing a small revolution on the four wheels of one skateboard. In a country where sport is often associated with men, groups of girls They are challenging cultural stereotypes and finding a symbol of freedom and self -determination on the table.
To guide this change is Ethiopian Girl Skaters (EGS), the First group of women’s skateboarding of the countryborn to offer a safe space to girls who want to try their hand at this sport. Every Saturday the young skater meet at the Addis Skate Park to train, share experiences and support each other.
Many of them started using skate after seeing the kids in the neighborhood, but initially they were braking from the social judgment. Thanks to their determination and mutual support, today they slide safely to the park’s ramps.
The dream of being able to compete internationally
For many of them, skateboarding is more than a simple sport: it is an opportunity for personal and collective growth. Through the group, girls not only refine their skills, but also participate in training and mentoring meetings that help them develop self -esteem and determination. However, the difficulties are not lacking: the lack of equipment and the lack of adequate spaces are concrete obstacles, but not large enough to stop them.
EGS is not the only group of women’s skateboarding in Ethiopia. Another emerging reality is Skateboarding setfounded in 2021 by Heina Solomon. Heina also faced challenges and prejudices: the girls who tried to enter the skate world were often derided and even harassed by the boys of the park. Determined to change the situation, he created one inclusive community for girls who want to approach skateboarding in an environment without discrimination.
Despite the difficulties, the interest in this sport continues to grow in Ethiopia, also thanks to the inspiration of the Olympic athletes and the international visibility that female groups are gaining. Skateboarding is not just a pastime: for these girls it represents a means for claim one’s freedom And to demonstrate that talent has no gender.
The dream of many Ethiopian skers is to see more spaces dedicated to this sport and, one day, of to be able to compete internationally. In the meantime, every descent, every successful tricch and every surpassed fall are a victory against stereotypes, a sign that the change is underway.
