POV Season 31 Episode 7 The War to Be Her

"The War to Be Her" is the seventh episode of season 31 of POV, a documentary series that presents personal stories from a diverse range of perspectives. This episode follows the story of Maria Toorpakai, a young girl from a conservative region of Pakistan who dreams of becoming a professional squash player. Despite the social and cultural barriers she faces, Maria's determination and talent lead her to pursue her dream, but not without consequences.

The documentary begins with a glimpse into Maria's childhood, where she was raised in a conservative Pashtun community that strictly followed traditional gender roles. Girls were expected to stay at home, be obedient, and get married at a young age. However, Maria's rebel spirit and love for sports made her stand out from her peers. She started playing squash at the age of four, using a makeshift court she built with her brothers' help.

As Maria grew older and became more skilled, she faced opposition from her family and community. Women playing sports was frowned upon, and in some cases, considered a sin. Maria's father was her biggest supporter, however, his support came at a cost. He had to build a court for her to practice in secret, and Maria had to disguise herself as a boy when playing in tournaments, using the name Genghis Khan.

Maria's talent couldn't stay hidden for long. She quickly gained national recognition, and her success meant that she could no longer hide her true identity. Her reputation put her in danger, and she became a target for religious extremists who saw her as a threat to their values. Maria received death threats, and her father had to take her to a safe house in a different part of the country.

The documentary explores Maria's journey to becoming a professional squash player, and the challenges she faced along the way. It highlights the power of sports in creating opportunities for women and challenging cultural norms. But it also sheds light on the resistance that women face when they challenge gender roles, and the danger this can expose them to.

Through Maria's story, "The War to Be Her" invites viewers to reflect on the power of sports to create social change, as well as the limits of this power. It raises questions about the role of religion, tradition, and culture in shaping gender roles and women's rights, and the potential conflict that can arise from challenging these norms.

Overall, "The War to Be Her" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a remarkable young woman's journey to become a professional athlete and the challenges she faced along the way. It is a testament to the transformative power of sports and the courage of those who dare to challenge the status quo.