In the lively streets of Addis Ababa, a remarkable group of young girls and women are rewriting the script of what’s possible.
Meet the Ethiopian Girl Skaters (EGS), a female-only skateboarding collective that’s shattering stereotypes, pushing boundaries, and weaving a tight-knit community that’s transforming lives, one skate trick at a time.
EGS was founded by Sosina Challa, affectionately known as “Soisy.” She kickstarted the movement with a simple flyer shared on social media platforms like Instagram and Telegram. The message was clear: “Free skateboarding lessons for girls.” But Soisy, a trailblazer in her own right, was not without her doubts.
She worried that girls might be hesitant to try something new, that parents might not permit them to engage in what was perceived as a male-dominated and potentially perilous sport.
Soisy’s journey into skateboarding began five years ago when she spotted a group of boys skateboarding in a parking lot. Determined and fearless, she approached them and asked if she could give it a try. Even when her dress ripped on her first attempt, she was undeterred.
Her unwavering passion led her to become one of the few girls involved in Ethiopia Skate, a non-profit supporting skateboarders across the country. Soisy was instrumental in the construction of Ethiopia’s first official skatepark.
Today, EGS boasts around 60 members, most of whom are between the ages of 10 and 25. The group has become a driving force in challenging stereotypes and empowering girls and women to break free from societal norms. Every Saturday morning, the Addis skatepark is reserved for the girls, giving them a safe space to learn, practice, and build a supportive community.
Skateboarding, for Soisy, is not just about physical activity; it’s a mental exercise that encourages individuals to push past their fears. As she puts it, “Skateboarding is like a drug for me. It feels really good when you do it. But once I really started, I learned more about myself.”
EGS encourages friendships, fosters self-confidence, and provides an escape from a world still grappling with traditional gender roles. The group’s impact goes far beyond the board.
Some members have progressed to perform tricks and even participate in competitions, but competition is not the primary focus. EGS is about building a sisterhood, supporting each other, and providing a platform for girls and women to grow personally and collectively.
Beautifully capturing the essence of EGS is Beza, an Ethiopian-born and raised film photographer.
“I’ve been actively engaged with EGS since August,” says Beza in an interview with Setting Mind. “One of the Ethiopia Skate (boy skaters) founders mentioned to me that the girls felt more at ease with female photographers, which inspired me to visit the park one Saturday with another woman photographer, Meron Kok, to capture their photos. This experience ultimately led to my deeper involvement with the team. My role primarily revolves around offering support, guidance, and identifying opportunities to nurture their growth.”
“Growing up in Addis Ababa, I see a reflection of the girls within me,” adds Beza. “Their constant desire to push boundaries and challenge the status quo deeply resonates with me. They possess an innate coolness, each with distinct stories and personalities that I’ve forged meaningful connections with.”
All images in this article are courtesy of Beza and Ethiopian Girl Skaters.
