Honey Thalgiyeh raised a few eyebrows when she started playing soccer.  The neighbors, family, friends, and school teachers joined the chorus of critics.  Honey was told by everyone that soccer is a men’s game, but she did not buy into that because she believed that she was exercising her rights.

In March 2008, the USAID Public Outreach Office funded soccer training for Palestinian girls in the Bethlehem area in the West Bank.  Rif’at Turk, a renowned coach and local soccer legend, offered advice to girls’ soccer clubs in three communities.  As a talented player, Honey was helping Rif’at and occasionally served as a trainer.  Today Honey says that the experience motivated her as a female soccer player. “I received moral support that women’s soccer is legitimate, and learned that conflict between nations has no place in this game.”

During the two years that have passed, Honey faced many challenges and accomplishments.  Today she is the Captain of the National Palestinian Soccer Team for Women and has represented Palestine in Jordan, Egypt, Malaysia, France, Germany, Syria, Lebanon, and many other countries.  Honey says that the fans are surprised when they see the Palestinian women’s team, because it reflects an image of Palestine they are not accustomed to.

For Honey and her team, success has a price tag.  “There are no women’s bathrooms or locker rooms,” explains Honey.  “And our families are worried and keep saying that we have no future in soccer.”

Honey is not demoralized by the challenge, because she is aware that gradually the public is becoming more receptive to women playing soccer.  In fact, they have created a ripple effect in the Palestinian society, and currently at least 15 clubs in the West Bank, even in rural areas, have women’s soccer teams for girls aged 8 to 14.  Honey is proud to see young girls realize their dream and develop a love for soccer.   “This is progress despite the challenge we face.  We are succeeding, and the Palestinian Authority began offering us support,” she says.   

Honey and the women’s soccer team are sending a message to the world about Palestine - a message of peace, love, and culture.  They perceive soccer as a language understood by everybody.  As Honey reflects upon her experiences during the last few years, she says: “Female soccer players are the goodwill ambassadors of a new Palestine, changing society and breaking the cycle of marginalization.” 

USAID programs are promoting gender equality and the advancement of Palestinian women.  Women, such as Honey, receive encouragement, support, and a chance to be equal players in their community.

http://www.usaid.gov/wbg/success_June_2010.html