Despite facing gender stereotypes, harassment and limited resources, communities across the continent are empowering women and girls to thrive in the world of skateboarding.
Skateboarding has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated sport, marked by its jumps, risks, and bursts of adrenaline. Despite the growing presence of women in skateboarding, especially in Africa, the sport remains largely viewed through a gendered lens. Globally, skateboarding is the sixth most popular sport in the world by participation, yet, according to a 2024 survey by World Metrics, “the skateboarding industry has a gender distribution of approximately 80 [percent] male and 20 [percent] female participants.”
However, communities across Africa are challenging this status quo. By prioritizing women’s experiences and needs, the following nine communities are providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary for women to not just participate, but excel in the sport.
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