Women's soccer is advancing at pace in the Western World (see Part 1). This is evidenced by the increasing traffic relating to the women's game across my Twitter feed. USA v China (won by US) was recently a sell out (shade under 20,000 fans). In spite of the setback of Women's Professional Soccer announcing permanent cessation of activities in USA, there is a bright future.
[Since I wrote that Women's Football (soccer) has been reborn in the US as NWSL and is set to be bigger, better and more stable - more of that in Part 3]
But what of the rest of the world and in particular in the Middle East Immediately a raft of issues spring to mind, some common to men's soccer, such as poverty and political upheaval and some distinct to the female perspective such as discrimination and the enforced subservience of women, but also religious and cultural perspectives.
Where to begin? What about the small Gulf Coast island of Bahrain. Their Women's National team was only founded in 2003 and only played its first FIFA recognised international match in 2007 yet Bahrain has progressed steadily ever since. Much of this is due to the efforts of a dedicated few, but it is apparent that there is positive government support. The government views the promotion of female sport as important to its engagement with the world and its presentation as a modern state with some moderate western values. In addition there are numerous essential health issues to be addressed with regard to the issue of 50% of the population engaging in exercise. There are now competitive leagues for women players, indeed some of the Royal Family play. Bahrain has participated in, and even hosted international tournaments involving mainly Middle Eastern countries. Their World Ranking has climbed to 69.
Bahrain are not alone. Even ultra orthodox Iran, currently ranked 54th, has a surprising supporter of women's football. President Ahamadinejad is a huge football fan. He sees the game as an opportunity for associated glory, but he is in conflict with the conservative mullahs with regard to its development. Meanwhile the WNT has performed relatively poorly.
Women have been banned from stadiums in Iran for men's matches. They are not allowed to associate in public with men and to look at the male players. Many enter stadiums dressed as men. Iran though has been awarded the Under 16 Youth Championship. As a pre - requisite Iran has had to give undertakings to the Asian Football Confederation with regard to the issue of discrimination. It is hoped that football and this tournament can be a vehicle for change.
Whilst Iran shows glimpses of opening up, mighty Saudi Arabia remains the fortress of conservatism. The Saudis largely reject participation by women in sport. They do not plan to allow female competitors at London 2012. There is no physical education programmed for girls in school. Participation in sport is only permitted in private settings. Clerics say that participation in sports is 'the steps of the devil'. Saudi Arabia blames the protests and uprisings across the Middle East upon, inter alia, the mingling of the sexes at sports events.
One issue which dogs the muslim world, an issue used by both sides to advance their position, is the hijab, the item of clothing which covers the hair, neck and ears of muslim women. FIFA has tied itself in knots on this issue. In 2011 Iran was banned from participation in London 2012 after some of its players wore the banned hijab during the qualification campaign. Subsequently, following a campaign by Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, now a FIFA Vice President, IFAB announced that the hijab could be worn during a trial period. It seemed that the rights of muslim observant women were to be advanced. IFAB now appears to be backtracking citing safety issues which many challenge. Have the conservative countries exerted improper pressure? Saudi Arabia would greatly enhance its arguments if women were not permitted to wear the hijab to play. A final decision on the issue is due at the IFAB Conference on the 2nd July 2012. It must be hoped that a retrograde step is not to made here. Surely a garment with appropriate quick release mechanisms such as velcro would satisfy all medical issues?
Undeterred other Middle Eastern countries have pressed on. Qatar is allowing women to participate at London 2012 for the first time. Qatar's president is one of the liberal leaders seeking wider engagement and recognition in the Western world.
Kuwait hosted the first Gulf University Female Soccer tournament. The university chancellor described it as a 'reflection of the social and cultural advancement of a country'. Islamists denounced it as 'contrary to human nature and good customs'.
Members of the Royal Families of Kuwait and the UAE have supported a conference on the participation of women in sport. Whilst there are cultural difficulties, UAE has a women's league although matches are played behind closed doors in the absence of men in recognition of the still evident cultural difficulties.
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