A Baylor University team has empowered Pakistani women from diverse faith traditions by teaching leadership skills through sports. This initiative, led by Baylor faculty, graduate students, and alumni, included virtual workshops and in-person activities to promote teamwork and leadership.
The IDEA-SPORT program—funded by a U.S. State Department grant—connected Baylor with schools in Pakistan. The program fostered leadership and coaching skills while addressing the significant marginalization of women in Pakistan.
Making a Wider Impact
Originally aimed at reaching 1,000 female students across 10 schools, the program exceeded expectations, impacting over 4,800 female students and benefiting more than 7,000 students in total. Equipment delivery and interactive learning activities enriched this outreach.
Hina Abel, a Baylor Dissertation Fellow and native of Pakistan, highlighted women’s barriers to education and employment, noting that less than a quarter of Pakistani women are in the workforce.
Breaking Barriers in Women’s Sports
Abel emphasized that Pakistani women entering sports challenge cultural norms. Women’s sports receive little recognition, sponsorship, or media coverage, leaving aspiring athletes under-resourced. Despite this, the program’s activities provided an empowering platform for women and promoted dialogue about gender equity.
Faith, Dialogue, and Connection
Interfaith dialogue was a central element of the program. Brooke Ramsey, a Baylor graduate, and her husband, Charles Ramsey, facilitated discussions with non-Christian students. They emphasized shared humanity and the divine image present in all individuals.
The Baylor team and Pakistani students forged deep connections through cricket, baseball, and shared meals. Ramsey described this as reflecting “the hospitality of God.”
Building Relationships Beyond Sports
Beyond leadership training, informal interactions, like playing soccer and feasting together, created lasting bonds. Participants experienced a sense of unity and mutual respect, overcoming barriers through shared humanity.
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Baylor uses sports to empower women in Pakistan
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