Afghan Refugee Women Empower Themselves Through Soccer

Afghan women refugees are finding strength and empowerment on the soccer pitch as part of the Houston Shine FC. Among these athletes are **Sodaba Khinjani** and **Rabia Yaqobi**, who fled Afghanistan following the **U.S. withdrawal in 2021** and the subsequent ban on women’s sports imposed by the **Taliban**. By day, Khinjani works in a dentist’s office, while Yaqobi prepares meals, but their evenings are dedicated to football, where they strive to carve out new lives in the United States.

Khinjani, who once trained in secret as a member of the Afghan women’s national team, expressed the fear and trauma that many athletes faced under Taliban rule. “Everybody that was in sport was on the kill list of the Taliban,” she stated. The threats were real; Khinjani lost her brother to the violence perpetrated by the Taliban, who sent his body home. Despite the harrowing circumstances, she remains resolute in her fight for her rights. “I will fight with FIFA. I will fight with the Taliban. I will fight about my rights,” Khinjani affirmed.

While **FIFA** provided visas for female athletes to escape Afghanistan, it often meant leaving family members behind. Khinjani has not seen her family in four years, a reality shared by many of her teammates. Yaqobi articulated her sacrifices, saying, “Sometimes I’m not eating, saving money to send to my mom because my mom needs it.” Such experiences highlight the resilience and dedication of these women, who channel their struggles into their passion for soccer.

The Houston Shine FC, coached by **Rachel Fabre**, serves as a platform for these athletes to not only play but also to heal. Fabre noted the incredible perseverance displayed by her players: “The sheer magnitude, the trauma that they have been through to just get to this point here is massive.”

In May 2023, FIFA announced the formation of an Afghanistan women’s refugee team, allowing players resettled in various countries the opportunity to compete in the **2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup**. However, in September, FIFA informed American-based players that they would be barred from attending international training camps designed to assess potential team members. FIFA attributed this decision to immigration and safety concerns, even though all members of the Shine team possess green cards.

Despite this setback, FIFA remains committed to providing opportunities for other eligible players. “When it comes to players who are not selected for the inaugural squad, FIFA remains committed to providing opportunities to all players eligible for the Afghan Women United,” the organization stated.

The journey for Khinjani, Yaqobi, and their teammates is far from over. As they train and compete, they do so not only for personal advancement but to represent all Afghan women who have faced oppression. Their presence on the soccer field is a testament to their determination, and it signifies a broader fight for women’s rights that extends beyond sports.