From left: Tracy Harmoush, Iqra Ismail, Yusra Mardini
The dynamic world of sports has come a long way in leveling the playing field for men and women, with more Arab women taking up sports in various forms. To discuss this and much more, at the second and virtual edition of the Will Summit, a dedicated panel will bring together unparalleled Arab talent from the industry: Yusra Mardini, Syrian refugee, and Olympic swimmer, and Iqra Ismail, the first-ever captain of the Somali Women’s National team and director of women’s football at the Hilltop Women’s Football Club.
The conversation will be moderated by athlete and entrepreneur Tracy Harmoush, as it dives into the future of women in sports. Audience members can expect to learn firsthand about the inspiring women who will open up about their unique roads to success, the challenges faced along the way, and their many milestones and accomplishments. Find out how Mardini braved the open sea to save the lives of fellow refugees on a sinking boat, and how Ismail navigated the intense male-dominated world of sports as a hijabi Muslim woman from Somalia.
Some of the more crucial topics discussed will include the recent French bill banning hijabs and other religious symbols in sports, and the actions that can be taken to better support the inclusion of Muslim women in the industry. Mardini and Ismail will also share the initiatives they are taking personally to pave the way for the future generation of women in sports, and the lessons and words of advice they can impart to them based on their experience. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or a wholehearted supporter of women in sports, this is one panel you can’t miss.
The WILL Summit in partnership with Mastercard will take place on May 19 at 2pm GST and can be tuned into via Zoom, Facebook, and Twitter. To register, visit Willinitiative.org.
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