Fatima Al Mutawaj challenges negative perceptions about women in sports, says its for all

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Julia Cassano

Negative perceptions about women do persist in sports, but they had no impact on her professional success, revealed Fatima Al Mutawaj, the first Bahraini woman to become an international basketball referee.

She now wants to demonstrate that sports are accessible to everyone.

The 27-year-old told The Daily Tribune that everyone should be encouraged to participate in sports.

"I have to prove to everyone that women are capable of doing the impossible and, most importantly, that sports are for everyone," she said.

And while the young Bahraini referee admitted that certain negative stereotypes of women in sports exist, this wasn’t a challenge she faced in her career.

"The difference in culture from one person to another is not a problem for me. Some believe that a girl is not fit to be a basketball referee, and some don’t identify this as a problem either. It’s just people’s opinions,", she stated.

Since achieving such a tremendous accomplishment, Fatima is more determined and now aims to encourage other young women with their aspirations.

"Believe in yourself; nothing is impossible. If you love a specific field, do not miss the opportunity to become an inspiration for yourself and others.

Women are strong and can achieve whatever they desire when they put their mind to it," she highlighted.

"Nothing lasts and develops without trying, failing, and learning in the process."

Pride and achievement

"Looking back at where my love for the sport began, I feel a sense of pride, achievement, and happiness being the first Bahraini basketball international referee," Fatima emphasised.

"My inspiration and love for the sport began in 2015, when I participated in a basketball refereeing course solely for learning purposes," she told The Daily Tribune.

However, as time passed, she rapidly came to the realisation that she saw this as a passion and a potential career. Through her perseverance and trials, the basketball enthusiast has learned to appreciate the effort required to reach such success.

"The support of the Referees Committee, Mohammed Al Noaimi, Abdulkareem Shakeeb, and Eman Al Thaqafi, means very much to me in this achievement. And support as such is what makes it possible for women in Bahrain," Fatima said. Al Mutawaj will now officiate matches as an international referee from 2023 until 2025.