When speaking about beach volleyball, we tend to think of sun, sand, and inevitably, beachwear. Beach sports usually involve more revealing uniforms than most, which is why many were shocked to see athlete Doaa El-Ghobashy donning long sleeves, long tights, and a hijab while representing Egypt in the Olympics for beach volleyball this year.
This shattering of stereotypes is nothing but empowering, however many around the world seem to think otherwise.
This tweet by @charliekirk11 comparing the two women by their clothing has gone viral, referring to El-Ghobashy as oppressed and her less covered opponent as empowered.
Interestingly enough, one of these women was obligated to wear certain articles of clothing as a part of her uniform instead of making the personal choice to, and it wasn’t the one wearing the hijab.
Wearing a bikini was a mandatory part of the beach volleyball uniform up until 2012, while wearing the hijab was a personal choice of El-Ghobashy which she had gotten special permission for just in time for the Olympics this year. Her teammate, Nada Meawad, was not wearing a hijab, which is also her own, personal choice.
Contrary to popular belief, the hijab is not restrictive; El-Ghobashy told the Associated Press in an interview, “I have worn the hijab for 10 years. It doesn’t keep me away from the things I love to do, and beach volleyball is one of them.”
This picture doesn’t symbolize a cultural clash, it symbolizes the exact opposite. It depicts two talented athletes coming from different backgrounds who possess different values, yet come together to compete in the same sport that they love while representing their home countries.
The argument that what these women wear is either “oppressive” or “empowering” is a disturbing notion. Coming into the Olympics, these women (as well as every single other athlete) worked hard for years to reach the level they are at in order to represent their country. They came to the Olympics to compete athletically, not to be judged by how they are dressed.
Whether in a bikini or in a hijab, these women are both at the top of their game and are inspirations to every little girl or boy who wishes to pursue a career in athletics in their respective countries.
It’s time that we stop focusing on what women wear, and start focusing on what women achieve.
