Pakistan, a beautiful country with a rich hockey heritage. Since last year we support the Star Women’s Hockey Academy, founded by the courageous Erum Baloch. Her mission is to use hockey as a tool for empowerment in Jacobabad, known as the hottest place on earth and an area where opportunities and rights are even more limited than in many parts of neighbouring India.
Challenges
Pakistani youth face significant challenges, particularly young women who are often confined to their homes by societal norms. Growing up in a culture without access to sports facilities, Erum saw her dream of becoming a professional hockey player evaporate due to societal pressure. Thanks to her mother’s unconditional support and her enormous perseverance, Erum is a role modelin her region and is breaking the taboo of sport for girls.
Star Women’s Hockey Academy
Erum founded the Star Women’s Hockey Academy in 2017, the first hockey academy for girls in the region of Jacobabad. Funded with her own savings, the Academy gives girls the chance to realize their dreams without the obstacles and setbacks that Erum experienced herself.
Hockey camps
We are very happy to support the academy, like last year through a contribution to the Summer and Winter Camps. The camps had a total of 26 boys and 44 girls participating over multiple days. The camps help young girls on a personal, social, and educational level, and promote hockey coaching as a career for women.
Aqsa, player:
The Summer Camp was a great initiative and has been an open opportunity for many beginners. I’ve witnessed safe and peaceful free environment to play with complete facilities.
Areeba, coach:
I was scared to visit Jacobabad and first my family was not agreeing. When I visited and joined Summer Camp, It was really amazing and very safe and secure environment. I hope I will be part of the Camps again!
We are proud of Erum. The Academy demonstrates how sports can be a transformative force for gender equality and social cohesion. Hockey is more than just a game, also in Pakistan.
