Mashacil Cabdillahi : A Journey of Strength and Confidence through Ubah Inspire Initiative Organization
Mashacil Cabdillahi Maxamud, 19 years old, joined Ubah Inspire Initiative three years ago, and since then, her life has taken a powerful turn. As a young woman in her last year of high school, she faced significant challenges to pursue her passion for sports, especially coming from a family where only her father supported her involvement in any physical activity. Yet, despite these obstacles, Mashacil found a place of empowerment and belonging at the Ubah Centre.
“I used to go to the gym, but Ubah inspired me to take up football and motivated me to push through the barriers I faced,” she reflects. Mashacil had to confront societal and familial pressure, yet Ubah Centre gave her the strength to overcome these challenges. “Joining Ubah really helped me challenge the negative ideas I had about sports being only for men. Now, I believe that girls can do anything.”
For Mashacil, the change wasn’t just physical. She describes how her confidence soared after joining the sessions at Ubah Centre. One session in particular, “Building Resilience and Self-Esteem through Sports and Personal Development,” was life-changing for her. “I’m an introvert at home and everywhere else, except at Ubah Centre. It’s where I feel free, where I open up and want to interact with others.”
Through the support of the Ubah Centre team, Mashacil felt the strength to dream bigger. “I want to be a good football player in the future, and Ubah has given me that vision. It’s where I come to forget the problems of life, where I find peace and focus.”
Despite the demands of her final year of high school and her exams, Mashacil continues to play football regularly. She explains how sports at Ubah Centre have not only helped her physically but mentally and emotionally as well. “I can’t imagine life without Ubah Centre. Even with exams, I still come to play—it opens my mind and helps me focus better on my education.”
Mashacil’s story is a testament to the transformative power of sports and community. “I would encourage every girl and woman to join and play football. It helps you physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she says with conviction.
Thanks to Ubah Inspire Initiative, Mashacil has developed into a confident, empowered young woman with a clear vision for her future. Her journey shows that with the right support, every girl can overcome challenges, break barriers, and thrive.