In some places, a girl on a skateboard is a revolution on four wheels. For 13-year-old Hasiba* in Kabul, it all started in a classroom.

Hasiba grew up in a home filled with challenges. Her father had two wives and struggled with nervous issues, which made life difficult for everyone. As the daughter of the second wife, Hasiba felt the pressure deeply and began to face her own emotional struggles. Still, she dreamed of going to school — of holding a pencil, learning about the world, and building a different kind of future.

Her life changed in 2022 when neighbors told her about Skateistan’s free “Back to School” classes — a safe place to learn. After convincing her parents, she joined. At first shy and unsure, Hasiba slowly found her voice. She picked up reading and writing quickly, told beautiful stories, recited poems, and loved to draw. She became a bright, active presence in the classroom.

Seeing her transformation, her parents began attending school meetings and thanked the program for giving their daughter this chance. Now, Hasiba dreams of becoming a teacher, so she can help other girls in her country learn and grow — just like she did.

Hasiba’s story is just one of thousands. Today, 56% of Skateistan and its Partners’ participants are girls — and in many of the most unequal, insecure places in the world, that’s not just a nice statistic. It’s a quiet revolution. Across more than 50 locations in 5 continents, we create safe spaces where girls can roll, learn, and dream — led by women who’ve been there themselves.

If you believe in a women-led future, skate towards it with us. Become a Citizen of Skateistan today — and help us keep this movement rolling.

*Name changed for safety.

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