When kids begin enjoying soccer in Finland, they’re supplied with kits, shorts, and socks by their groups however beforehand sport hijabs weren’t out there.
“Finland is known for being a country of equal opportunities,” Heidi Pihlaja, head of women’s soccer improvement from the Football Association of Finland, stated in a press launch of the plan to make soccer uniforms “more hijabi appropriate.”
“However we know that there is still a lot to be done as Finland is becoming an ever-more diverse society. By donating hijabs we want to show our dedication to making football accessible to everyone,” added Pihlaja.
“For us equality is about accepting everyone as they are regardless of their religious beliefs, color of their skin or other attributes and identities. We hope that us leading by example encourages other sports and football associations to join us in promoting equality and equity in sports.”
However, selling equality and variety is one thing that’s taken “very seriously” in soccer in Finland, in accordance to the governing physique.
In 2019, it additionally introduced equal pay for each women and men gamers who compete for the Finnish nationwide groups.
#HandsOffMyHijab
The Finnish hijab challenge is a collaboration with Nike and was deliberate with Sara Salmani, an skilled of range, fairness and inclusion.
“During the last months hijabs and banning them has made it to the headlines around the world, showing that Islamophobia is strengthening its foothold in the world,” Salmani stated.
“It is great that Finland acts as a forerunner and shows that diversity belongs to both sports and everyday life. Donating the hijabs proves that the National League truly stands behind their values and words while continuing their active work against racism and discrimination.”
