EBÎR MUHAMED

Qamishlo- 22-year-old Hala Hemo from Qamishlo, a city in Jazira Canton of North and East Syria, has broken gender stereotypes by becoming the youngest female referee officiating men’s basketball championships in North and East Syria. Starting playing basketball in 2015, Hala Hemo has worked as a referee at the Asayish Club since 2017.

 ‘I realized that I had natural talent for basketball’

Hala Hemo has loved playing basketball since her childhood. “When I started playing basketball, I realized that I had a natural talent for basketball. My family always supports me.  I think basketball makes women feel better. I have gained a lot of experience for nine years. I have played in many matches both in North and East Syria and outside the region.”

 She officiated a men’s basketball championship

Speaking about the training she received to become a referee, Hala Hemo said, “To become a referee, I attended a course on bodybuilding and got my certification. I also attended training courses provided by the Asayish Club and gained experiences. In 2020, my coach gave me the opportunity to officiate a men’s basketball championship in northeastern Syria.” Hala Hemo was one of the five referees officiating the championship and then she officiated many matches at the Jazira Regional League.

‘I cried when I first officiated a match’

Hala Hemo told us that she was subjected to condescending looks from some men because she was a female referee. “When I first officiated a men’s basketball match, I cried. But when I saw how my family was happy and proud, I felt stronger. I have managed to prove myself by breaking gender stereotypes.” At the end of her speech, Hala Hemo called on all women to “play basketball. Women can improve themselves in this field and reach the highest levels with their will.”