ALIFA asserts women cricketers have shattered patriarchal boundaries

By A Representative 

The All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA–NAPM), a national collective of feminist organizations and individuals, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for their historic World Cup victory, calling it a defining moment for Indian sport and women’s leadership. The alliance described the win as “a collective reminder of what can happen when young women lead with integrity, courage, and care,” asserting that the triumph belongs to “every girl and young woman who has been told that the field is not her place.”

ALIFA emphasized that the team’s achievement represents not only sporting excellence but also a break from the corporatized and celebrity-driven culture of modern sports. “In a world where individual stardom often overshadows teamwork, the Indian women’s team displayed authenticity, camaraderie, and feminist leadership that uplifts rather than dominates,” the statement read. Citing players Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, and Richa Ghosh, the alliance noted that their unity, emotional resilience, and humility set them apart as role models for inclusive leadership.

ALIFA highlighted how this victory resonates with the struggles and achievements of generations of women athletes in India who faced gender bias, lack of infrastructure, and minimal institutional support. The statement recalled pioneers like Diana Edulji, Shantha Rangaswamy, Mithali Raj, and Jhulan Goswami, crediting them for laying the groundwork for today’s success. “This win is part of a long continuum of resistance and resilience. Every match played by these women reclaims a space long denied to them,” the alliance said.

The statement also drew attention to the structural inequalities in Indian sports, calling for urgent action to address gender pay gaps, underrepresentation in coaching and governance, and the unsafe and discriminatory environments faced by women athletes, particularly those from Dalit, Adivasi, minority, queer, and trans backgrounds. “To truly honour this moment, India must build an equitable sporting ecosystem that funds women’s leagues fairly, values mental health, and ensures dignity and safety for all athletes,” ALIFA demanded.

Citing the example of Jemimah Rodrigues, who faced online hate because of her faith, ALIFA underscored that the team’s success challenges the gendered and communal biases that persist in public life. “Jemimah’s calm resilience reflects the strength of a woman who knows her worth beyond the noise. Her leadership is feminist leadership — ethical, inclusive, and courageous,” the statement noted.

The alliance described the team’s performance as “a new vocabulary of leadership,” rooted in empathy, solidarity, and integrity rather than aggression or hierarchy. It compared the women’s teamwork and shared spirit to the values driving young feminist movements across India that seek to redefine power through care, collaboration, and justice.

ALIFA called the victory a celebration not just of sport but of every woman who dares to dream — from those on the field to those who have been denied access to it. “Every time a woman steps onto the field, she expands what is possible for all of us,” the alliance declared. “This triumph is not just about cricket — it is about reclaiming space, rewriting leadership, and redefining what it means to win.”

The statement concluded with a call for sustained commitment to feminist values in sport and society alike: “We celebrate, we commit, and we continue until every girl can play, lead, and thrive without permission, prejudice, or fear.”

The message was endorsed by members of ALIFA–NAPM across India, including Bhanu Kalluri, Arundhati Ghosh, Dr. Sanju, Laxmi Murthy, Chayanika Shah, Adv. Dr. Shalu Nigam, Moumita Alam, Albertina Almeida, Sagari R. Ramdas, Hasina Khan, Meera Sanghamitra, and several others.