From the eyes of the beholders: the Shimshali sisters

Abstract

In the extant scholarship, researchers have explored barriers faced by Muslim women while participating in sporting activities; however, there is a relative dearth of literature detailing the lived experiences of Muslim women sport managers trying to deliver sporting activities to vulnerable segments in the Global South. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of two sport managers belonging to a vulnerable segment from Pakistan. The two sport managers started their football (soccer) league in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Drawing from the principles of intersectionality, we explored the challenges faced by the sport managers and how they are countering them via using the co-constructed narrative inquiry method. The study findings showed that sport managers faced multiple barriers while endeavouring to deliver sporting activities in the region. Nevertheless, the sport managers are employing the football league to counter various social taboos and empower Gilgit Baltistan’s women.

Keywords:

• Women sport managers
• intersectionality
• sport development
• Muslim women
• soccer

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. The sport managers were given due authorship for being part of the study.

Funding

This research has not received any funding from any source.