In honour of International Women’s Day, we are excited to bring you an inspiring conversation with Malikah, a young and passionate social change activist who joined United By 2022’s Ideas Made Real programme, to provide young women from her community access to snow sports.

Through her own experiences, Malikah recognised there weren’t many girls that looked like her on the slopes. Sometimes due to cost or often feeling like they didn’t belong, Malikah was keen to show these girls the joy and confidence that snowboarding could bring. Through her project ‘Girls Can Board’ she took 10 young girls from her community aged 14-24 to try snowboarding and to teach them that they too could thrive, enjoy and participate in sports that they’ve traditionally felt excluded from.

As we think about the how we can accelerate equality for girls and women, Malikah shares her unique perspective, discussing her journey, the challenges she has faced, and the actions she believes are essential to creating a more just and equal future for all women.

What inspired you – can you tell us about the moment you realised that you could make a difference?

• My inspiration to deliver social action comes from my lived experiences and the change I would like to see in my own community. I’m keen on sports as it’s a very easy way to meet new people and form relationships. I do enjoy watching different people come together and socialise to build a better community. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a young woman driving social change? How did you overcome them?

• The biggest challenge I faced was my confidence to lead a change in the community. At times I’ve definitely doubted myself, but keeping good support around me allows me to push through and complete my goals.

In your opinion, how can we ensure that women from all backgrounds have equal opportunities?

• I would say listen to the community and find out what does and doesn’t work for them. In order to change a community, you have to be a part of it. You have to be willing to hear different opinions and ideas to form results that may work for everyone.

What actions or initiatives do you think we can take right now to accelerate social change within our communities?

• I would say find individuals who want to make social change and support them. There may be people who have no idea what steps to take or if they are able to participate in activities, make it clear that everyone is welcome – inclusivity is key.

How do you measure the success of the initiatives you’re involved in?

• I simply listen to those around me who are part of the social change. I take on board what worked well and what could be improved for next time.

Who are the women (or individuals) who have inspired and mentored you along the way?

• As I have worked in the community, there are many women who have inspired me and each have different roles and strengths. I couldn’t pick just one person as I’ve had the honour of coming across very lovely, talented people.

If you could make one significant change in your community or society, what would it be and why?

• A change I would like to see is people pursuing their own passion and sticking with it. In order for social change to happen, people have to do what they believe is best to make a positive social change.

What advice would you give to other young women who are looking to create social change in their own communities?

• Be a trail blazer for your community if it needs to happen, then don’t give up!