Ethiopia’s Girls Skate Group

In Addis Ababa, a growing group of young women known as “Addis Girls Skate” is using skateboarding as a way to break down gender norms, build community, and express themselves freely. The group formed when several young women responded to a social-media flyer offering free skateboarding lessons for girls— an initiative born out of the challenges they faced using public skateparks that are dominated by boys. They gather at the city’s few skateparks each weekend, supporting one another while navigating a sport and environment that has traditionally ostracized them. So far, they’ve taught over 150 girls aged 10 to 25, creating safe spaces and showing that freedom, confidence, and creativity have no gender. Their collective is quietly transforming how young women in Ethiopia view themselves—and how skateboarding is viewed in the country.

Image via CNN 

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