Mauritania: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Football
“Some people say girls shouldn’t play football,” said Binta Dia. “But I don't listen to them. I chose football for myself, not because of what they think. I don't need their advice.”
Binta is 16 years old and the youngest of seven siblings who live in Nouakchott, located in the southwestern part of the country and one of the largest cities in the Sahara in Mauritania.
She first discovered her passion for football in 2016 after breaking fast during Ramadan, at just eight years old, when she saw boys playing football in her neighbourhood. Inspired by their energy and skills, she knew she wanted to play, too. But playing football as a girl is not an easy sport to play in Mauritania.
“For some people, the fact that a girl playing football is taboo,” said Samba Foro Dia, Binta’s father. “They believe a girl shouldn’t show herself in public or play sports. But to be clear, sport has nothing to do with religion.”
Despite societal resistance, Dia has always supported and encouraged her daughter to continue.
“When I saw Binta playing football and that she wanted to, I felt proud. I had to help her persevere,” he said.
To change people’s mindsets and to promote women’s football in the country, the Mauritanian Football Federation regularly produce awareness campaigns and events.
“Many still believe football is only for boys,” said Oumou Kane, the Director of women’s football at the Mauritanian Federation of Football in Nouakchott. “But it's important for girls to play football — it's their passion and they deserve the same opportunities.”
Kane provides this opportunity for girls by organizing regular football tournaments throughout the year. Recently, on a football pitch in a district of Nouakchott, several girls' teams competed and were applauded by dozens of enthusiastic supporters. Binta and her team played with determination, proving their place in the sport.
For Salamata Ouedraogo, a Programme Officer at UN Human Rights in Mauritania, the federation’s efforts are crucial.
“The fact that girls play football challenges gender stereotypes that too often limit their participation and personal development,” Ouedraogo said.
This work is supported by UN Human Rights which invests in projects that promote inclusion and equality.
“Since Binta started playing football, I've seen how much she’s grown,” Dia said. “She's improved so much. She used to be a bit shy, but not anymore.”
Binta has continued to thrive.
“Playing football has allowed me to meet so many people,” she said. “If I ever get the chance to play for the Mauritanian national team, I'll take it.”
This story was originally published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights