Uzma Shaikhwas introduced to netball through the YPI in her school Anjuman Islam MIJ High School, Bandra, Mumbai. ’I never played a sport before because I didn’t know which sports a girl could play but now, I am a netball player. First, I felt that I ‘was not good at sports’ but my site coach told me I did well and encouraged me to play.’ I have played many competitive level matches in which I learnt many things e.g. strategies, management, planning etc. I enjoy the game.’ Uzmawas delighted when she was selected in the team to play in the District Sports Tournament (DSO) and Udaan, Naz’s interschool tournament. Initially her parents refused to let her participate. But when they realized that the trip was well organised and the children’s safety guaranteed, they allowed Uzma to play. ‘My family sees the change in me. I’m confident and my stamina has increased because of netball. My family now allows me to play.’
The life skills session in the YPI Programme have been an eye opener for Uzma: ‘I never got this kind of information’. In her family, Uzma’s father and her brother take all the decisions. Her elder brother is the bread winner and supports their father in every decision. In the YPI, Uzma learned that girls and boys are equal and that she can participate in discussions and give her views. Earlier she wouldn’t share anything with her family members because she feared that her family would ‘shout at her’. ‘Now I share what I learn with my mother. I have that confidence where at least I am trying to put my views in front of my parents.’