AMNA
K A R R A-H A SSA N
SPORT
As a young Muslim woman from a traditional Lebanese family
in Western Sydney, Amna Karra-Hassan often questioned the
restrictions her culture placed on women, especially in sport.
“The boys would play touch footy and sometimes the girls could
join,” she says. “At some point an adult would say it’s too dangerous
and the girls would be removed from the game.”
Not one to conform, Karra-Hassan established the Auburn Tigers
women’s AFL team in 2011, with a squad of players who had little or
no on-field experience. “I remember lacing up my footy boots,” she
recalls, “there was more dirt than grass, [and] the opposition had
more height in their shortest player than our entire squad!” Without
funding or a coach, and with zero experience, the team was
applauded for their enthusiasm—but for Karra-Hassan, the Tigers
were about more than just footy. It was an opportunity for all women,
regardless of their cultural background, to come together and pursue
a new interest with confidence. Karra-Hassan says it’s been one of
the most rewarding experiences of her life, and that the club carries
a broader message of inclusion and empowerment: “The [team]
has a voice on identity, gender, diversity... and women in sport.”
The “work project” (words she used to describe the team to her
father) eventually grew—with more players, experience and support
from the community—and in 2015 the team was asked to partner
with the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL franchise. It was
a defining moment that signalled how far they had come and
Karra-Hassan set to work mentoring younger players and planning
for the future: “ We adopted the brand and continued to grow the
club by building a pathway for youth girls from Under 12s
[through to] Under 18s,” she says. Despite early challenges, the
ambitious 28-year-old credits her optimistic outlook to the people
around her. “The support of other women has been a source
of strength and confidence that fuels my passion,” she says.
Long term, Karra-Hassan hopes to see more women represented
in all areas of the sport—“on boards, the executive level, on the field,
as administrators, fans and spectators”— and her vision holds
promise: in 2016 the Auburn Giants were promoted to the Premier
Division in Women’s Football in NSW. It was an outstanding
achievement after only five years in the game, and one which is helping
to reshape the perceptions of minority religions and challenge gender
stereotypes. “This club is an agent of change,” says Karra-Hassan. “We
know and own our story...[we want] to be more than [ just] media hype.”
So what’s next for this trailblazer from Sydney’s west? “[To] ensure
the Auburn Giants is a sustainable initiative and to support the talent
[in the team] to get drafted into the National Women’s League.”
Memorable moments: “To play at Spotless Stadium has been
epic and delivering a TedxYouth [talk] in Sydney was an honour.”
Personal style: “The way the world moves around you...be it barefoot
or [in] high heels, bold or quiet, assertive or vulnerable. Style is
owning it and being comfortable in our skin.” —YASMIN THOMAS
“WE HAVE A ROLE
TO PLAY IN CREATING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
WOMEN IN SPORT”
Women of Style
JUNE 2017 In STYLE 81