Karishma Ali: Breaking barriers and inspiring change
Date:
Author: Karishma Ali, 30 for 2030 Network
The Karishma Ali Foundation (KAF) began as the dream of a 19-year-old girl from Chitral, Pakistan, who in 2016, stood as the first and only female athlete in her hometown. My vision was to share my experiences with other girls in the region. Today, we are directly impacting the lives of 500 girls.
As a registered non-governmental organization, KAF is one of the very few women-led organizations that support innovative and sustainable sports and physical activity programs as a strategy for social change and women’s empowerment, particularly in marginalized communities, with a special focus on girls from the Kalash community.
Our multifaceted approach combines sports training, mental health support through art therapy, education on gender-based violence, and leadership development to equip these girls with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Today several of our young athletes have participated in various sports competitions and led activism within their communities. Some have earned 100 per cent sports scholarships for higher education, demonstrating the transformative impact of our programs.
Recognizing the difficulties Afghan refugees face in Pakistan, we have also worked with Afghan refugees. Recently, we organized a successful seven-day football camp in collaboration with partners. This camp provided a safe space for Afghan girls to play, socialize outside their homes, interact, and share their experiences. Due to the positive feedback, KAF plans to organize this camp quarterly to offer ongoing opportunities and empower women by developing their soft skills.
The hardships that I faced and the obstacles I had to overcome were testimony to the forces that keep women from participating in healthy outdoor activities in Pakistan. This was not only leaving almost half of the population deprived of all sorts of equal sports opportunities, but it was also inhibiting other psycho-social skills for women, especially young girls.
Sports played a pivotal role in shaping me into the leader I am today. It has contributed significantly to my recognition in prestigious publications such as Forbes, CNN, BCC, and Pride of Pakistan, and my membership in initiatives such as Pakistan National Youth Council and UN Women 30 for 2030.
The discipline and dedication instilled in me through sports have been crucial in my achievements. I believe that every girl in Pakistan deserves to have the opportunity to realize their potential through sports, just like me. Let us join hands for a better, more inclusive, more developed Pakistan.
