In conservative Kerala, where women rarely venture out of their homes after dusk, there is a slow wind of change. Housewives and working women in the age group of 25-65 can be seen playing volleyball in Thrissur district. They are largely from the middle-class and lower middle-class strata and till a year ago, were least interested in sports. For them  now, sports has not been simply been a life changer but has become a tool for empowerment. It has literally given them wings.

They are part of Women’s Integration and Growth through Sports (Wings), a venture by Vinaya, a senior civil police officer at the Police Academy in Thrissur. Started a year ago, Wings has more than 300 members with around 12 A teams and three B teams in Thrissur district. Two weeks ago Wings launched three teams in Palakkad.

She says that women are often excluded from many events and places due to gender disparity. “In Kerela, women often have no business entering public places like playgrounds or take active part in festivals like Thrissur Pooram. They are often totally excluded or sidelined from such activities and places, which are men’s fiefdoms promoting male camaraderie. I found this very disturbing and was determined to change it. During the football world cup or cricket world cup matches, the whole world will be rejoicing but women are totally excluded from the festivities and sometimes even ridiculed if they show interest in the games. This had to change. Wings is my way of making a change,” says the 44-year-old.

Vinaya explains that while playing volleyball, a player runs, jumps and shouts. It improves a person’s physical and mental health and increases self-confidence, gradually changing one’s attitude and outlook. “Most of these women have never done anything like this before. It has brought about a great change in them physically, mentally and socially,” says Vinaya.

The players agree. Asha Devi, a 40-year-old housewife who plays for the Kuttimukku team and is the secretary of Wings says, “Our attitude towards life changed since we started playing. We have realised the importance of maintaining our health. Once you join the team, you make so many friends and just talking and laughing with them can be a great stress buster. We don’t use our surnames these days but introduce ourselves by our first names. We have realised that there is no need to introduce ourselves by our husband’s names when we have an independent identity.” Pappa, a 34-year-old staff nurse who plays for the Police Academy team adds, “The game has positively influenced our lives, our health and physical fitness.”

Wings’ coach Ratheesh Chullikkad says that most of them are ordinary women from interior areas like Anappara, Peringottukkara, Puthur, Cheroovazhi and Vallissery whom Vinaya has recruited from roadsides or through neighbourhood groups. “Today they participate in all our activities. Besides playing tournaments, we organise blood donation camps, quiz competitions and treks.”

Wings will start teams in every district in another year. “Life is not a four-line book where you write abiding by all the rules. Women have to think differently and fight for their space in life. Being part of a sisterhood like this makes it easier to fight life’s battles,” says Vinaya.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Magazine / by Elizabeth Ninan / August 08th, 2015