Creating Space

Raja Aderdor, Qatar

Raja Aderdor leads reading campaigns for Qatar Foundation and is a passionate photographer. As part of the GOALS program, Raja shares her sporting journey and the inspiration she has found in women along the way.

Running is more than just a physical activity for me. It brings a sense of freedom and accomplishment, no matter how far or fast I go. It feels like actively investing in my well-being and finding a therapeutic activity. After a hectic workday, I cherish the feeling of recharging through running. It clears my mind inspires creativity and new ideas. 

My favourite route takes me along Doha Corniche, where I enjoy festive surroundings and skyline views. Exploring new places and stumbling upon FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 murals adds a special touch, reminding me of the lasting impact of these moments.

Joining running groups has become a source of freedom and joy, complemented by functional training workouts for core strength, and occasional yoga sessions for holistic well-being. Trying different sports keeps the excitement alive for me, and being part of various communities adds depth and richness to this journey of self-discovery and connection.

Freedom To Run

My name is Raja Aderdor, and I am a Moroccan who has embraced the diversity of both Morocco and Qatar during my upbringing. I am in my twenties and currently residing in Qatar, where I find myself deeply engaged in the culture of this dynamic country. Armed with a Master of Arts in Women, Society and Development from Qatar Foundation’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, I work on the development of impactful programmes and projects, driven by the aim to foster a love for reading within the community.

Beyond the professional realm, my mission extends to making a significant impact in women's development and leadership. By bringing a unique perspective and weaving together the cultural threads of both regions, I aspire to contribute to the empowerment of women in all facets of life.

In addition to my day job, I share my photojournalism and stories from the countries I travel to through my online platform. Capturing moments and stories is not just a profession but a genuine passion. I find inspiration in capturing stories that resonate with the resistance and strength of people who triumph despite challenges. 

I am drawn to documenting the beauty of daily life, aiming to evoke a strong sense of presence in the moments captured through my photography. During my free time, I engage in freelance work, guiding people to discover Qatar's landscape and conducting photoshoots for visitors who wish to capture beautiful moments around town.

Sports On The Centre Stage

Growing up first in Kenya, then in Niger before moving to Qatar in 2004, finding spaces for sports in my community was easy. But as I got older, it became harder to find spaces exclusively for women's sports. Personally, I feel at ease and connected in women-only spaces, where, as a woman who wears a Hijab, I can participate in sports more comfortably. 

My sports journey commenced with taekwondo and karate at the age of four, evolving into team sports like football and basketball. In school, my friends and I took the initiative to participate in the School’s Olympiad, facing hurdles like the absence of a coach. The school Olympiad was an annual tournament allowing schools in Qatar to compete in different sports. Being part of this competition, which includes football, handball, basketball, and other team sports, was not just exciting but also an opportunity to represent my school on a bigger platform. 

We improvised, created our training schedules, and managed to secure first place in football - a significant achievement given our limited resources. This experience highlighted the scarcity of women's sports spaces and the resilience needed to create opportunities.

Joining Aspire Academy further enriched my experience, fostering lasting friendships and instilling confidence in exploring diverse sports. The Academy, which opened its doors in 2006, presented itself as the opportunity for my family to explore activities for my brother and I. Beyond the initial intent of making friends through sports, it gradually transformed into a daily commitment, thanks to the support and encouragement from my mother. What started as a means to develop a healthy sports lifestyle soon blossomed into a genuine passion and source of friendships.

While football and handball were a significant part of my school journey for a while, my heart found its home in basketball, notably with Qatar University’s women’s basketball team. The teams I was part of during my school and university days, and even post-graduation, were not just groups of players; they were communities I truly enjoyed being a part of. The pop culture surrounding basketball, from iconic moments to the spirit of the game, contribute to my genuine love for playing it.

Run To Recharge

I continued playing basketball until running took centre stage. Seeking a sport that offered flexibility in terms of timing with my working hours and commitments, I invested in running gear, enabling me to explore new places and routes, be it during the early morning hours or late at night.

I have a vivid memory of a special running experience from 2023. Waking up at 5am, I went for a run to the Museum of Islamic Art. My friend Banan joined me, and together we covered a pleasant 3K, finishing with the breathtaking sight of the sunrise. The feeling of accomplishment and pure joy during that run motivated me to include running as a regular part of my routine, especially given the weather in Doha.

Self-Expression

Discovering my identity as a storyteller has been an evolving process, influenced by diverse experiences and Qatar's rich cultural tapestry. The strong sense of community is evident, particularly during the yearly celebration of Qatar National Day on December 18. In my position at Qatar Foundation, I play an active role in building an environment that connects tradition with modern communication through reading campaigns.

This ongoing journey is fuelled by a deep-rooted desire to share narratives resonating with people from different backgrounds and fostering connections through storytelling. Supported by my parents, who encouraged reading and enrolled me in art classes, my childhood magazines like “Majed” and “Al Arabi Al Sagheer” inspired the creation of my own DIY sports and football magazine.

Thinking about this magazine brings back happy memories. It all started around 2006, when I was passionate about football and Ronaldinho was my favourite player. While looking for news about him in Arabic magazines, I decided to make my own magazine dedicated to his achievements. 

I gathered articles, cutouts, and stats, creating a special tribute. I remember the joy of making and sharing this unique magazine, expressing my admiration for Ronaldinho's personality and football talent.

I also began painting in second or third grade, paused during middle school due to a hectic schedule, and reignited my passion in university. Painting is my medium for self-expression and a therapeutic process. It is my way to relax and be creative and I enjoy expressing myself without any rules. Whether I am painting alone or with friends, the best part is not just the final artwork but the fun process of creating something unique and sometimes unexpected.

More Than a Moment

The photos in my collection have been captured across various locations in Qatar, featuring a mix of friends, family, and fellow running and F45 enthusiasts. Each photograph encapsulates not just a moment but also the shared passion and camaraderie within these dynamic communities.

I aimed to convey the strength and resilience of women in Qatar, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the diversity within the community. Every image contributes to a visual narrative of empowerment, symbolising the vibrancy of women contributing to various fields.

Each individual I photographed holds a unique story, with Noora Al Thawadi being particularly noteworthy. Noora is an inspiring woman and mother, not only dedicated to her own running pursuits but also actively involved in coaching the Qatar Run Ladies' runs. 

Additionally, she manages a children's running club, gathering every week to instil the love of running in youngsters. I first met Noora during one of the initial ladies' runs, and in a subsequent event, she proudly showcased a medal she earned by winning a 10K race. Her infectious happiness and dedication were evident as she not only celebrated her victory but also joined the weekly Wednesday run, guiding and motivating fellow women to achieve their own 5K milestones - a true embodiment of the indomitable spirit of determination prevalent in our community.

Looking Forward 

Women in Qatar feel safe, can practise any sport they desire, and actively work to create spaces for sports. Sport plays a crucial role for women in my community, offering a variety of reasons to engage - from disconnecting and reconnecting with oneself to reaching physical goals. It promotes physical health, fosters friendships, and breaks down societal barriers. Personally, it is a source of empowerment and perpetual joy, allowing me to experience and connect with diverse groups and communities.

While opportunities for women in sports have grown, challenges persist. The dedication of the Education City Stadium as a sporting hub for women and girls following the 2022 FIFA World Cup is a positive development. 

I envision a future where women everywhere have even greater opportunities in sports. Increased support and investment are crucial, fostering a thriving community of female athletes and providing a platform for their continued growth and evolution.

My future ambitions include expanding my photojournalism platform, travelling more to immerse myself in different cultures, and engaging in photography advocacy for women, and leveraging my work in reading campaigns to inspire positive change in my community.