Women playing sports.
There was a time when that would have made for a very shocking headline.
A time when it was not accepted that women could play sports as well as men, or even play at all.
A time, not really that long ago.
Showing determination in the face of discrimination as they bound around in a private yard, one player says: “I will try to change society’s views on women playing sports.”
In the present day sports stars such as tennis player Maria Sharapova (worth $27.1m), auto-racing driver Danica Patrick (worth $13m) and figure skater Kim Yuna (worth $9m) are among the top ten highest paid female athletes of 2013. Yet there are parts of the world where inequality is still rife, thanks to outdated traditions, laws and beliefs.
Bold new exhibition, Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport at the National Football Museum aims to challenge perceptions of women, and in particularly, Arab women at the top of their game in sports including swimming, athletics, weightlifting, fencing and more. The phrase 'Hey’Ya' actually means ‘let’s go’ in Arabic.
Shot over a period of seven months from December 2011, former Elle photographer Brigitte Lacombe showcases 90 women who have overcome the odds to play their chosen sport. Some are even Olympians.
Eighteen-year-old swimmer Nada Mohamed Wafa (main image) was the first female to represent Qatar at the London Olympics last year. An image of Nada stood strong in a Fastskin – a covered alternative to a swimming costume - captures the sheer conviction on her face. It's a different girl to the sweet, smiley teenager proudly stood beneath her exhibit.
Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, Nada said: “I was in the pool and Brigitte just told me to swim. What she ended up capturing really showed who I am. My personality is very determined and dedicated. I have big dreams and I think she captured that.”
As well as Nada’s images, other athletes featured include The Green Team – a Saudi Arabian women’s basketball team. As well as the photographic displays, documentary film-maker and Brigitte’s sister, Marian Lacombe, has also worked her video magic. Further insight in to the lives behind the images can be explored at the viewing couch.
Observing the Green Team dipping, ducking and dunking in hijabs is a refreshing sight that’s sadly tainted by the fact women are not actually allowed inside sports clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Showing determination in the face of discrimination as they bound around in a private yard, one player says: “I will try to change society’s views on women playing sports.”
"We are pioneers. We will open doors” says another.
Speaking about the new exhibition which is a first-look at sports aside from football at the NFM, Kevin Moore, Director of the museum said: “Brigitte captures that personality, spark and what makes an athlete special using very clear, simple backgrounds. It’s a nice departure from football and broadens our remit. It’s also a great subject and powerful message, which fits well with our overall aim to cover women in football in the gallery.
“The National Football Museum is committed to raising awareness of the key role that women play in developing football and other sports, both now and historically, and is committed to breaking down cultural and gender stereotypes.
“We wanted to bring something different to Manchester, a truly global sports city.”
The exhibition is open now at the National Football Museum and will run until October 13.
