The significance of the hijab head scarf
In Lipa’s perspective, the hijab head scarf is a symbolic representation of a woman or girl’s Muslim identity, akin to how a Christian might wear a cross. It is mandatory for girls and boys to wear them (albeit in different styles) after reaching puberty. Lipa notes that while both genders are required to wear the hijab, girls and women often face more negative attention for doing so. Lipa’s parents allowed her to make an informed decision about wearing the head scarf by researching, asking questions, and educating herself before committing to it, highlighting the values of modesty, comfort, and empowerment associated with it.
Discrimination against the hijab
Discrimination can manifest in various forms, including in sports, as Lipa has personally experienced due to wearing the hijab. She recalls instances where older, male non-Muslim coaches struggled to accept her head scarf and even attributed her missed header goals to it. However, she also encountered accepting attitudes, like that of a university student male coach who embraced her individuality within the team.
During a visit to a school in Bethnal Green, Lipa learned that girls had been instructed to remove their hijabs for PE lessons. This revelation saddened her, highlighting the oppressive practices within the school. Despite the school citing health and safety reasons, Lipa believes that offering girls a choice should have been a priority, emphasizing the importance of autonomy for every girl.
Lipa’s love of football
Lipa’s passion for football stemmed from childhood, influenced by a ball featuring characters from the ‘Tweenies’ cartoon. Encouraged by active characters on children’s TV and sports programming, Lipa began playing football at a young age, initially with her male cousins during Eid gatherings. Despite facing cultural barriers and societal expectations, Lipa defied norms and pursued her love for the sport, even forming a girls’ football team at her middle school and eventually signing a semi-professional contract at 15 years old, kickstarting her career as a player and activist.
