Spotlight

Ethiopian Girl Skaters

In recent years, a vibrant organization known as the Ethiopian Girl Skaters has captured the world’s attention, redefining skateboard culture and challenging societal norms with boldness and authenticity. They have turned skateboarding into a powerful expression of identity, weaving their rich cultural heritage into every trick and glide. Their inspiring presence on social media goes beyond just skating; it celebrates resilience, cultural pride, and reimaging a sport traditionally dominated by men. They bring a fresh perspective on skateboarding culture and how it fits into African and more so Ethiopian culture. In this inaugural edition of Moyo Afrika Spotlight, we catch up with the founder, leader and visionary of Ethiopian Girl Skaters, Sosina Challa.

Moyo Afrika: Before Ethiopian Girl Skaters was formed, would you say that Ethiopia had a big skateboarding culture?

Sosina Challa:

Yes there was a skateboarding culture in Ethiopia before Ethiopian Girl Skaters was formed. Skateboarding in Ethiopia has evolved into a diverse and vibrant culture over the years, but its roots lie in a simpler time when practice was the cornerstone of the sport. For many of us who started skating back in the day, it was less about flashy tricks and more about the thrill of rolling on a board and the camaraderie that came with it.
In the early days of skateboarding, there were no massive competitions or wide range of the activities even though the was big need in the country. Instead, skateboarding was a grassroots movement fueled by passion and dedication. Local skate spots became our playgrounds, where we honed our skills through trial and error, often falling more times than we can count. Each scrape and bruise were a badge of honor, a testament to our commitment to mastering this exhilarating activity.

Moyo Afrika: Ethiopia is a country that is very rich in culture, how do you incorporate Ethiopian culture and identity into the skateboard culture?

Sosina Challa:

Incorporating Ethiopian culture into skateboarding has created a unique and enriching experience for both skaters and the community. The fusion of culture and sport not only showcases our traditions but challenges the conventional attire often seen in skateboarding culture.
It also promotes it in a way that is functional for skating and represents our culture and rebellious queen ancestors. By embracing and celebrating who we are in the skateboarding community, we have helped create a vibrant space that respects traditions while encouraging self-expression and inclusivity.

Moyo Afrika: Over the last three years how have you seen skateboarding culture evolve in Ethiopia, and is the growth just in the capital Addis Ababa or is it happening outside of Addis Ababa too?

Sosina Challa:

Over the past three years, I have observed a great development in skateboarding culture in Ethiopia, especially in Addis Ababa but also in other regions. While Addis is the hub of skateboarding activity, there are signs of growth in other cities as well. Skateboarding clubs and groups have formed in places like Addis, Hawassa, Harare, Arba Minch, and Sodo, suggesting that the culture is starting to spread beyond the capital.
Skateboarding culture in Ethiopia is developing rapidly, with a vibrant community emerging in Addis and interest growing in other regions.

Moyo Afrika: What are some of the cultural and social barriers that you faced with regards to getting girls in Ethiopia to participate in the skateboarding?

Sosina Challa:

While skateboarding is growing in popularity amongst girls in Ethiopia, we do face some cultural and social barriers. Traditionally many communities have conservative views on girls’ sports, which are often considered inappropriate or unsafe activities. This mindset can discourage girls from taking up skateboarding and other similar sports.

Moyo Afrika: Skateboarding does require specific equipment and protective gear, which can be rather costly. With the growth of the skateboarding culture in Ethiopia are there any local manufacturers to support it or is it still largely a case of importing the necessary equipment and gear?

Sosina Challa:

Skateboarding is an emerging sport in Ethiopia with a unique blend of culture, creativity, and community engagement. This requires special equipment, especially skateboards, helmets, and protective gear such as knee and elbow pads. Currently, most skateboarding equipment is imported. Local production is still in its infancy as there are two skateboarding brands that lead the skate culture and the demand for materials is still in its infancy. However, as interest in the sport grows, we are optimistic about the possibility of local production.

Moyo Afrika: How does your organization try and counter the costs to help girls who want to participate but perhaps don’t have the money to buy their own gear to try make it more accessible to everyone who wants to join?

Sosina Challa:

Our organization strives to make skateboarding accessible to all girls who want to participate. We are actively seeking sponsors and partnerships that will cover the costs of equipment and materials. We also hold fundraisers and community events to support our programs. Through our efforts, we hope to not only encourage participation in skateboarding, but also foster the development of local manufacturing capacity in the future, which will create jobs and further strengthen the skateboarding community in Ethiopia

Moyo Afrika: Do any of the girls that are part of Ethiopian Girl Skaters compete competitively or is it just for leisure?

Sosina Challa:

Yes, there are indeed girls in the Ethiopian community participating in skateboarding competitions, but the scene is still developing. It's hard to say, "Yes, there are 100 of them." But we're making steps forward in terms of giving them the right avenues to train freely. While many girls skate for fun and leisure, more and more are getting involved in competitions. We have different types of approaches and organize events for the community to encourage girls to get involved.

Moyo Afrika: What about international competitions?

Sosina Challa:

Direct International competitions are limited at the moment, but there are efforts being made aimed at connecting Ethiopian skaters with the global community. Organizations and partnerships can foster exchanges and competitions where Ethiopian girls can compete against international skaters.

Moyo Afrika: The documentary ‘Skatepark Sisterhood’ is based on the Ethiopian Girl Skaters. How did this come about?

Sosina Challa:

This documentary focuses on the skateboarding experiences of Ethiopian girls and how they integrate their cultural identity into the sport. What makes it special is the sisterhood, love, support and challenge to build community.
"The Skatepark Sisterhood Project” was born from a desire to highlight the unique stories and experiences of Ethiopian female skaters. It began when we realized that our skateboarding journey was not only about the sport itself, but also about breaking down cultural barriers, empowering young women and building a supportive community. The filmmaker, Angela Hartwick, and her team approached us with the idea of documenting our lives and showcasing not only our skateboarding skills but also the challenges we face and the triumphs we achieve. This collaboration allowed us to share our passion for skateboarding while highlighting the importance of cultural identity, resilience and sisterhood.

Moyo Afrika: One of the bylines of the documentary was ‘Sports Explains the world’. Really powerful. How would you say that sports, in this case skating has helped explain the Ethiopian community?

Sosina Challa:

Well, for us, the byline ‘Sport Explains the World' reflects our experience in the Ethiopian community, particularly through the lens of skating. Sports, including skateboarding, serve as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and fosters connections between people of different backgrounds. In Ethiopia, where traditional gender roles often limit opportunities for girls, skating has become a powerful tool of empowerment. It challenges social norms and encourages young women to express themselves freely. By participating in sports, we not only gain physical skills, but also confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. Skating has opened the door to dialogue around issues like gender equality, youth empowerment, and mental health. Creating a safe space where girls can come together, share their stories, and support each other is the real challenge of our organization. By sharing our passion for skating, we can address broader social issues and advocate for change in our communities.

Moyo Afrika: There seems to be quite a growing trend with girl skaters emerging from conservative countries. Netflix has a movie based on a female skater in India. For you sitting in Ethiopia do you feel a connection to girls in similar communities around the world?

Sosina Challa:

Yes, I do feel a deep connection to a global community that challenges traditional norms. In many conservative societies, including India and Ethiopia, sports like skateboarding are becoming a platform for self-expression and empowerment, especially for young women.
Several factors can also be attributed to the rise of skating in these communities. First, social media plays a vital role in amplifying voices and stories from diverse backgrounds. Young girls are inspired by skaters around the world, watching them break barriers and redefining what it means to be an athlete. This visibility allows them to pursue their passion despite societal expectations. Secondly, as discussions on gender equality and women's rights gain momentum around the world, more and more young women are looking for ways to assert their independence. Sport offers them the opportunity to challenge traditional gender roles, build self-confidence and develop a sense of community. Participating in an activity such as skating not only improves physical skills, but also develops resilience and leadership skills.
After all, the universal appeal of sport transcends cultural boundaries. It has created a space where people, regardless of background, can exchange ideas on matters of common interest. Observing this movement in a seemingly unlikely community highlights a broader shift toward inclusivity and acceptance, proving that passion knows no boundaries.

Moyo Afrika: Skateboarding is often tied to music and popular culture. Is this the same in Ethiopia and what kind of local music is associated to the skateboard culture in Ethiopia?

Sosina Challa:

: In Ethiopia, the music that accompanies skateboarding often ranges from traditional Ethiopian sounds to contemporary genres. Artists who combine elements of Ethiopian folk music with contemporary rhythms, such as Aster Aweke and Teddy Afro, are extremely popular with young people. Their songs often celebrate themes of freedom, identity and social change, values that align closely with the ethos of skateboarding. But it will be our homework to find the creative part to turn it into content. In fact, they give me a lot to remember in the future.

Moyo Afrika: In your opinion what are some of the ways that skateboarding has brought positive changes to the girls in the Ethiopian Girl Skaters community?

Sosina Challa:

From my perspective, skateboarding has brought some positive changes to the girls in the community in several impactful ways.
The first thing the girls get from this community is empowerment and confidence. I encourage the girls to push their limits and overcome challenges. Learning new tricks and improving their skills promotes a sense of accomplishment and strengthens self-esteem and confidence. Community and friendship, breaking stereotypes, physical health and well-being, creative expression, role modeling, and most importantly, standing up for each other are what we observe and prioritize in the communities we serve. This newfound empowerment often spills over into other areas of life, inspiring them to take on leadership roles and pursue their own passions.

Moyo Afrika: Does skateboarding culture in Ethiopia bring girls from diverse backgrounds together in Ethiopia?

Sosina Challa:

Skateboarding effectively brings girls from different backgrounds together at the skatepark. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it's about shared passion, a sense of belonging, expressing yourself in a different way, unique feelings, and cultural and socio-economic barriers. When we skate together, regardless of background, we all share a common interest and develop friendships and mutual respect.
These elements of skateboarding are a powerful medium that fosters connection, understanding, and unity among all of us. This is true for others too.

Moyo Afrika: As the Founder of Ethiopian Girl Skaters Organization, what do you think the future of skateboarding is not just for girl skaters in Ethiopia?

Sosina Challa:

As a founder and leader, I see a promising future for skateboarding in Ethiopia and across Africa, especially for girls who will foster a passion and interest in skateboarding and become inspiration and role models for the next generation, raising the profile of female skaters.
Within an empowered community that provides a unique platform for girls who skate. There is often a supportive community that encourages self-expression and self-confidence, which in turn fosters participation in other areas, such as leadership roles and advocacy.
We should aim to collectively develop programs that focus on women in various sports, not just skateboarding. As the demand for inclusivity grows, we expect to see more programs designed specifically for girls; mentoring, workshops, events that respond to their needs and interests. I want to see a community that recognizes and supports the stereotypes we face, collaboration with different organizations that work with youth, an international presence in competitions, sponsorships and cultural exchanges, inspiring a new generation of female skaters, and most importantly, creating a very safe space where we can learn and teach a new generation who they are to be part of the spirit of humanity.

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Author / Journalist for the article

Lee Kasumba LinkedIn