Written by Ratul Prabhu:
During my stint as an intern at CEQUIN (Centre for Equity and Inclusion), I had the privilege of traveling with coaches and members of the CEQUIN team to conduct a Training of Trainers (ToT) session for senior girls and staff members at Roop Ground in Mewat, Haryana, on May 8th, 2025. This session was a pivotal part of CEQUIN’s efforts to empower women and promote gender equality through football. The participants in this program came from some of the most socially conservative and underserved communities, where women’s freedom and participation in public life remain heavily restricted.
Despite having been part of CEQUIN’s programs for over a year, many of these girls still face immense societal judgment. Their families often insist they wear dupattas while playing, and many remain hesitant when strangers or villagers pass by the field. It was eye-opening to see how deeply entrenched these social norms are, even among girls who have been gender-sensitized and have played football for over a year. The courage and resilience they displayed in continuing their journey toward self-expression and leadership were truly inspiring.
The ToT program was designed for girls who already had foundational football skills and were participants in CEQUIN programs across regions such as Guwalda and Ghaseda in Rajasthan. The session focused on sharpening technical abilities like dribbling, passing, and other core football skills while emphasizing leadership and communication. Each segment of the training—whether it was the warmup, technical drills, or the football match—was an opportunity to highlight the importance of teamwork, confidence, and effective communication.
What made this training unique was its dual approach: it went beyond teaching football techniques to foster leadership qualities among the participants. We aimed to equip these young women with the ability to take charge, not just on the field but also within their communities. This holistic approach has the potential for lasting positive impacts, empowering these girls to challenge societal norms and inspire others in their villages to follow in their footsteps.
My personal background as a member of my school football team and a student at the Baichung Bhutia Football School for seven years gave me the skills and confidence to mentor these girls effectively. I focused on supporting their growth during the session, particularly in mastering technical drills and applying these skills in game situations. It was gratifying to see their progress and how they absorbed not just the technical lessons but also the values of leadership and resilience.
The most memorable moment of the day came at the end of the session when the girls played a match among themselves. Watching their teamwork, passion, and determination on the field was an emotional and fulfilling experience. It was a powerful reminder of how far they have come and the immense potential they have to create change.
This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by women in socially conservative regions and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of sports. It was an privilege to contribute to CEQUIN’s mission of empowering women and promoting equality through football, and I look forward to seeing these girls inspire and uplift their communities.
