Isn't there also darkness behind the glamour in women's football?

Some indicators suggest how much change has occurred in society and the world. Among them is the life and livelihood of women. With the passage of time, there has been a fundamental shift in how women live their lives. By observing their surroundings, one can easily discern the changes. The past cannot be found in sync with it. Certainly, not all indicators carry the same implication. Just a few days ago, even in traditionally conservative contexts like Pakistan, there has been a surge in fashion consciousness and smartness among college-going girls, which contrasts sharply with the prevailing perception. This suggests that times have changed, perhaps even reversing course.

Actually, there's a saying about the cyclical nature of eras. Whatever the reason, some things tend to come back again and again. Despite the criticisms, it doesn't seem like there has been such a significant change in women's mentality. In all fields, they are advancing towards equality. They're speeding on highways, stepping into courts and offices confidently. It's true that smartness and beauty aren't solely determined by attire; it largely depends on mentality and perspective as well.

From that perspective, many women challenge men in various fields. Did Bangladeshi women ever imagine themselves dominating the football field alongside men? The enthusiasm they're showing by wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts and embracing football culture both domestically and internationally, doesn't it defy imagination?

Despite numerous obstacles, women footballers have had to push through to advance. Towards the end of the seventies, Sheik Mohammad Ali, a football enthusiast and coach, initiated training for several eager female students from Dhaka's Vikarunnesa Noon School, aiming for national sports accolades. However, due to various reasons, this initiative couldn't go far. Essentially, the journey of women's football began in this century.

According to the long-standing societal norms, initial barriers are erected by the conservative factions. Extensive movements are then organized against women's participation in football. Naturally, at that time, it becomes extremely difficult and risky for women to take up football. However, with a strong mindset like “Kotthinere Bhalobashilam” - ("we loved the difficulties,") women have embraced football fields with confidence and courage, celebrating victory in life. They have overcome all adversities, flying high towards success.

It's not appropriate to say that there are no obstacles yet; it's palpable that women footballers face mental and even physical challenges. Efforts to discourage or demotivate them in various ways persist. However, women have gradually accumulated unparalleled self-confidence, indomitable determination, and unwavering belief, challenging these obstacles. Even though opponents may continue their resistance, they no longer have the audacity to discredit women's achievements as much as before.

Women in Bangladesh are illuminating the sports arena. There was a time when success for female athletes wasn't as pronounced. However, lately, there have been glimpses of success. Admittedly, Bangladesh's success in international sports isn't as remarkable. The limited success achieved within a confined environment often tends to prioritize men. Recently, however, women have been breaking away from this trend. Women's dynamic participation and success in various sports have emerged as a beacon of hope in the country's sports arena. Especially in football, they are achieving success one after another, dazzling with their performances. Although the focus is primarily on South Asia, Bangladesh's perspective undoubtedly adds pride to this success. Women footballers are now being extensively praised. With remarkable performances and entertaining playing styles, they have been captivating spectators in various age-group international tournaments, consistently achieving success one after another. The way women have diminished India's hegemony in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship and secured the trophy is truly inspiring. Before the final match against the host Nepal, the team's footballer Sanjida Akhter expressed her emotions on her Facebook page, saying, "For those who are eager to embrace our dream, we want to win it for all those dreamers. We want to provide an unwavering support. Even if we don't return with the trophy on the open champion bus, we'll keep going, and we want to win it for those people who have helped us tread on the green grass, keeping society's criticisms aside. Our success may perhaps help new Sabina, Krishna, and Mariya emerge. Even if there are some distant paths for our successors, we want to make it easier for them." This heartfelt post resonates deeply with the people of our country. It serves as an epitaph for women footballers' advancement, echoing the innermost sentiments of every female footballer.

After becoming champions in the SAFF Football, when they returned from Kathmandu, the citizens of the country welcomed them by taking them in an open-top double-decker bus, as per their expectations. This celebration added a new dimension to their journey, stretching from the airport to the Bafufe building through a long bus ride.

The role of women outside the field in the awakening of women's football is undoubtedly crucial. However, the courage, determination, and fighting spirit of those girls who have played or are playing on the field, despite overlooking all obstacles, must be praised first and foremost. Most remarkably, a significant portion of these girls comes from rural backgrounds, where almost every household is entrenched in conservatism, protectionism, and the practice of confining women within the four walls of the home. Getting married at a young age is also common among these footballers. Financially, labeling the families of these footballers as destitute would not be an exaggeration. In a situation where hunger on one side and social norms on the other pose challenges, it is not easy for any girl to muster the physical strength, skills, and courage needed to excel in sports. Sociologists can explain how much courage and initiative are required to make this possible. On one hand, women's football may not be as widely accepted in society, and achieving success in the game requires physical fitness, nutritious food, and regular training. Yet, those who manage domestic responsibilities narrowly are also smiling in success while playing alongside their male counterparts in international football matches. How is this possible? Isn't it miraculous?

Emerging from adverse environments and delicate economic conditions, women footballers have illuminated their destinies, garnering national recognition and acceptance. As a result, many girls now dream of becoming footballers. If playing football can provide both sustenance and peace, its appeal is not lost on members from impoverished families. Ensuring a comfortable lifestyle might keep the flow of women footballers uninterrupted; however, as dazzling as women's football may appear, is it all just glitter? Is there not darkness within its midst? Not all women footballers enjoy financial security.

Football may indeed have glamour, allure to travel both domestically and internationally, and the love of fans and enthusiasts. However, complete financial security is often not achieved. If it is not attained, how will one's family sustain? It must also be remembered that life does not stop at one point; it is inherently dynamic. When hunger is satisfied, new aspirations arise, and with proportional growth, the demand also increases. In that regard, the need for money will also rise. Such is the rule of life. That's why women footballers have boycotted practice of the national team to demand an increase in salary. The domestic league isn't as lucrative, and playing there doesn't necessarily provide financial stability. Now, due to Basundhara Kings withdrawing as the multi-billion-dollar business hub, disillusionment has arisen among footballers. Amidst the uncertainty, the establishment of the Nasrin Sports Academy brings a ray of hope. However, is it easy to invest emotionally in the game amidst such uncertainties? Overall, there remains uncertainty about the future of women footballers. As a result, some have already quit playing football. This is not entirely hopeful.

Women footballers are not just bringing glory to the nation on the playing field; they are also making significant contributions to social progress. In gradually acclimatizing society to more tolerant, patient, and supportive attitudes, they play an invaluable role. There is no denying the importance of this. To ensure the smooth and sustainable progress of women's football, effective measures need to be taken to make their journey comfortable, supportive, and empowering, both financially and mentally. Without addressing their needs adequately, it will not be possible to sustain the advancement of women's football in Bangladesh. If the necessary arrangements are made for them to be financially and mentally self-reliant, it will not be possible to halt the progress of women's football in Bangladesh.