GEIN Voices: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

A story of courage, persistence, and the power of sport

Meet Liri Shaqiri – Sport as Resistance

Liri Shaqiri, a dedicated physical education teacher and former athlete, shares her powerful journey through sports. Growing up in a time when girls were discouraged from participating in physical activity, Liri faced family and societal resistance — but never gave up. “In the early 2010s, my father didn’t allow me to play sports. He believed sport wasn’t for girls. My brothers played football, while I had to stay within the house rules. But I persisted,” Liri recalls. With the support of her mother and her own determination, Liri not only stayed involved in sports, but now works with her sister to lead school-based teams in volleyball and basketball. Today, she helps other girls push past similar barriers, showing parents the joy, structure, and empowerment that sport brings to their daughters.

🎯 Why It Matters

  • Girls still face resistance to participation in sports due to cultural expectations
  • Parents often prefer academic-only activities like math or English classes
  • Sport offers young girls confidence, teamwork, and emotional expression
Liri’s story is one of many that inspire our mission in the GEIN project — to create more spaces where girls and women lead, participate, and thrive in sports. 🎥 Watch the full video interview with Liri Shaqiri – attached below or available on our social media.
Follow our journey and hear more stories like Liri’s:Instagram @gein_equalplayequalsay Facebook Official Website
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