Day 46: Gumption

The definition of the word gumption is 'courage to act; the courage to take what action is needed.'  The women in Afghanistan are taking a stand, showing their gumption, in an unexpected way.  By kicking a ball.

I like playing soccer, and you might think it wouldn't be that uncommon for women around the world to also enjoy playing sports.  But until just recently, the women in Afghanistan were forbidden to play sports.  Under the heavy hand of the Taliban, they were restricted significantly in what they were allowed to do, and sports of any kind were definitely not allowed.

Here is their story as told by CBS News.
 
"Just by kicking the ball these Afghan women are taking on their fiercest opponent - the Taliban, reports CBS News correspondent Mandy Clark. 

When the Taliban was in power, no woman was allowed to play sports and female prisoners were publicly executed at Kabul's soccer stadium.

So having women take to the field is seen as a direct challenge to the militants. They practice every other day, but rarely play matches in Afghanistan.

There is no Afghan soccer league here. The women often play each other for fun, but the game can come with danger because some of the players face death threats.

Khatol Shahzad Amarkhel quit for three months because of the Taliban.

"Someone called my home number," she says. "He promised to kill me if I continued to play. I changed my number, but I am still scared."

Sajay Sahar, 19, was told to stop playing by family friends, but she didn't listen either. She's a top scorer for the team, but she really only has one goal in mind.

"It is my only wish to be a famous player in my country - and in the world," said Sahar.

And playing soccer has let the team see more of the world. They have traveled to Germany, Jordan and China for matches.

They also recently played coalition forces in Afghanistan and won 1-0. And they continue to try to push the boundaries.

"They say stop playing, but I cannot stop playing," said Sahar. "I can stop living, but I cannot stop playing football.

Soccer is more than a game for these women. Sahar sees it as a form of protest. By taking on the Taliban head on, she believes, it will help bring about their defeat."

These women are living boldly, with more courage than I could ever imagine.  Playing soccer may seem like an unlikely battle ground, but that is their reality and the first place to start.  Standing up to the Taliban and injustice.  My hope is that they will continue to fight.  To fight for their rights on the soccer field.  For equality.  For freedom.  Keep kicking it!

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