I HOPE that any one who is against sports in girl schools will explain to me the sound reasons for this opposition. In all good faith, I cannot so far understand what the problem is with women practicing sport in schools, homes or special single-sex clubs. Does the matter lie in the privacy of the place? If so, all these places are completely separated and cut off from male gatherings. They ensure women with complete privacy. Is it in the sports costumes? If so, special dresses could be designed for women to play sports comfortably. Is it in friction? If so, it is advisable to prevent men, not women, from playing sports. Our local newspapers are replete not with news of women harassing other women but with men doing this to each other. We often read or hear about sodomy, kidnapping of boys and the sexual perversions of men. Sport is not an evil thing or a negative phenomenon. On the contrary. It helps build the body, reduces excess weight and keeps people fit. It makes people healthy and helps them live normally. It improves temperament. Why do we deprive our women from all these benefits? Why are some of us determined to make sports haram (prohibited) for women without any Islamic, social or logical justifications? The minister of education did say sport would not be made mandatory in girls schools. But still, why can't we understand that sports for girls can be an option?
