3X3 Festival puts women's safety and freedom in the spotlight

Unfortunately, the game of the Dutch 3x3 women’s basketball team could not take place on Friday evening due to severe weather conditions; they played their game a day later instead. This did not diminish the theme of women empowerment, nor the purpose and impact of the ‘We Take Back the Night’ campaign, which emerged after a series of shocking incidents of violence against women in the Netherlands, including the death of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude.“

At 3X3 Unites, we have been committed to women empowerment, equal opportunities and safe sports and development environments for girls and young women for years”, says Karin Kuijt on behalf of 3X3 Unites. Among other things, there are leadership programmes that help girls become stronger, more visible and more confident in life. Karin adds: “This initiative fits in beautifully with that.”

Rocky Hehakaija was one of the speakers during the talks. The former football player has long been committed to empowering young women and promoting gender diversity and equality. “There is still not enough space where women feel safe, where they can move freely in the way they want to. So yes, it is incredibly important that we continue to draw attention to this.”

She gives an example from her own youth. “I was one of the few girls who played street football. The only reason I was allowed to join was because I was good enough and because I spoke up for myself. But those should never be conditions for being allowed to participate. A lot of girls do not dare to claim that space, or they are simply not given it.”

Janis Boonstra, player for the Dutch 3x3 women’s basketball team, also believes it was important that attention was drawn at the 3X3 Festival to the safety and freedom of women and girls in public spaces. “When I cycle home at night after going out, I don’t wear my earbuds because I stay alert and want to know what is happening around me. You never know.”

As part of the ‘We Take Back the Night’ campaign at the 3X3 Festival, 3X3 Unites joined forces with the Province of North Holland, which has been connected to the international basketball event in Amsterdam for the fourth consecutive year. Last year, the Province of North Holland adopted a motion aimed at increasing the safety of women in public spaces.  

“Everyone should feel safe and be safe, during the day and at night. The fact that this is not yet a given for many women and girls must change. As a province, we believe it is important that the events we support also contribute to social awareness and inclusivity”, says deputy Jeroen Olthof.

He continues: “By connecting the powerful statement of the ‘We Take Back the Night’ campaign to an international sporting event, we show how sport can contribute to visibility, dialogue and change.”

According to Rocky, the 3X3 Festival was the perfect opportunity for this. “3X3 Unites sets a great example by paying a lot of attention to women empowerment and by organising dedicated courses for girls. Hopefully more organisations will follow.”