Resilience In Motion
Mozhdah Howaida, England
Mozhdah Howaida, 23, has been playing football since childhood. Originally from Afghanistan, she overcame significant challenges to pursue the sport she loves. In 2021, she left Afghanistan to start a new life in York, England, where she joined the York RI Ladies Football Team and Girl Power. Mozhdah is also a participant in The Women’s Football Leadership Programme, a six-month course led by Amnesty International UK that helps women from refugee backgrounds develop their skills and become future leaders.
My name is Mozhdah Howaida. My friends call me “Em.” I am 23 years old, originally from Afghanistan, and now based in York, England.
Currently, I balance a part-time job with my role as a paid volunteer interpreter at the York Refugee Sanctuary, where I help bridge language gaps and support my community.
Football has always been an integral part of my life. I have been playing since I was a child. Growing up in Afghanistan, however, it was incredibly difficult for girls to play football. The environment was far from welcoming, as women’s football was not recognised or supported in my country.
Despite the challenges, I played for my school’s team at Gow Harshad High School in Herat and also joined a local club in Herat City. Unfortunately, there were not enough girls to form a full team, which was a recurring issue. In 2020, I joined the Herat Girls Football Team, where I found a community of like-minded young women who were passionate about the game.
Physical activity, particularly football, has always been my passion. It has been my escape, my source of joy, and my way to connect with others. However, after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, I was unable to continue playing or engaging in any form of sport. The situation for girls and women in Afghanistan became even more restrictive; we were denied the right to participate in sports and were barred from pursuing education.
In 2021, I made the difficult decision to leave Afghanistan and start a new life in England. Since then, I have found a new home in York, where I am proud to play for the York RI Ladies Football Team. I am also a player and a member of Girl Power, which gives me the opportunity to connect with other women who share similar experiences. Through this network, I am empowered to support and inspire other women facing similar challenges.
Women Taking The Lead
In my community, football brings young people together, offering opportunities for social interaction and a shared passion. From weekend games at the local park to regional competitions, football is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It is not just about the professional leagues or top-level competitions; it is about the neighbourhood teams, friendly matches, and the joy of seeing young people learn the game and develop their skills.
For me, football is important because of the discipline, the teamwork, and the sense of belonging it creates.
Women in my community may still encounter barriers such as limited opportunities, lack of visibility, funding and resources. However, it is inspiring to see more women in my community taking leadership roles in football, both as players and as part of coaching or administration.
Collectively Moving The Needle
The Women’s Football Leadership Programme is a fantastic initiative by Amnesty designed to empower women by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to lead and create impactful change within the sport or any other field.
What really inspired me to join was my desire to grow both personally and professionally. I wanted to learn from experienced leaders, gain new perspectives on leadership, and become part of a community committed to fostering growth and inclusivity. I also wanted to grow my self-confidence and public speaking.
What I enjoy most about the programme is the opportunity to connect with like-minded women who share a common mission, as well as the access to mentorship from leaders who have already made significant strides in the field.
It is inspiring to be surrounded by such driven individuals and to see the collective passion we all share for making a positive impact.
My Voice Matters
The Women’s Football Leadership Programme has played a pivotal role in helping me build confidence, find my voice, and feel empowered as I develop into a future leader.
One of the most powerful aspects of the programme is the focus on self-awareness and growth. Through collaborative discussions, I have been able to reflect on my own leadership strengths, values, and aspirations. This deep dive into my personal leadership style has given me the clarity and confidence to not only lead but to lead authentically, knowing that my voice matters and that I bring a unique perspective to the table.
What I have found particularly empowering is how the programme has created a space where women are encouraged to embrace their leadership potential without fear of judgment or hesitation. This has been crucial in helping me overcome imposter syndrome and take ownership of my ideas and actions. The programme holders are all incredibly supportive, encouraging us to think big and step outside of our comfort zones. This mindset shift has been transformative, and I have become more confident in taking initiative and speaking up in situations where I may have hesitated before.
Personally, the impact has been profound. I have grown not just in my career aspirations, but also in my ability to approach challenges with a positive mindset, knowing that I have the knowledge and support to navigate them.
Orange Boots
I captured a few photos from a Sunday game I played with my team in York. The football pitch had an inspiring, friendly atmosphere, and it was clear that everyone was playing an important role in the team. I played for 25 minutes in the first half and the entire second half, giving my all for the game. I also took some photos of myself on the football pitch at the RI Sports Club, the local club where I play for the women’s football team.
One of the photos that stands out was taken at RI Sports Club on a Sunday, where I am wearing my orange football boots and holding an orange football. The vibrant orange symbolises much more than just colour to me - it represents energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and the drive for success that propels me both on and off the pitch. It is a reminder of the power that a simple colour can hold in reflecting one’s spirit and ambitions.
Afghan Girl Power
I also took some photos of my teammates at Girl Power. We had a Friday training session just to catch up and bond as a team. This session was also more than just practice – it was an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and support each other as we prepare for a friendly game on International Women’s Day. This day is significant for us as it is a time to inspire, encourage, and celebrate the strength we bring to the pitch and beyond.
The photos I have taken with the Afghan Girl Power team hold deep significance. They represent the long-lasting friendship I have built with these incredible women who share a similar story to mine. We played football together, stood united when we were banned from participating in sports in our home country, and eventually, we all left Afghanistan to begin new lives. The bond we share transcends football; it is built on resilience, strength, and the collective journey of overcoming adversity. Each photo with them is a testament to the courage and solidarity that unites us as we continue to inspire one another, pushing through barriers and fighting for the rights we deserve.
Strength in Solitude
On a personal note, I have also taken some photos of the gym, my ultimate comfort zone and a place of personal therapy. It is where I find balance, strength, and the mental clarity that fuels my passion for football and life.
One features my water bottle, dumbbell, and the items I rely on for my solo training sessions. This image is symbolic of my personal relationship with the gym – it is not just a space for physical training, but a sanctuary where I challenge myself and grow in solitude. The gym has become my personal therapy, a place where I push my limits and work towards my goals, both mentally and physically.
Representing My Community
As an Afghan woman, I always have hopes and dreams as I have never had my basic rights. I am dreaming of a world free of gender discrimination. Freedom, peace and equality.
My personal ambitions for the future are centred around growth, both personally and professionally. I aspire to continue pushing my limits in football, training harder, and eventually representing my community at higher levels, whether that is in sports or community leadership. I also want to be involved in initiatives that help empower other women, particularly refugee and asylum-seeking women.
As for my hopes for other refugee and asylum-seeking women, I hope they find strength in their journeys, just as I have. I hope they know their worth, that they have the right to pursue their dreams, and that their voices matter. The challenges we face as refugees are immense, but I want to encourage other women to see those challenges as stepping stones, not obstacles. Through unity, education, and self-belief, I believe we can create a future where every woman has the chance to thrive, regardless of her background.
My ultimate hope is that we, as women, support and uplift each other, creating a community where no one must face these struggles alone. The future holds so much promise for those who refuse to give up on themselves or each other.
