Every March 8th, the world commemorates International Women’s Day, a date that invites us to reflect on the progress made in gender equality and the challenges that still persist. In the NETS (Nadal Educational Tennis School) project, developed in India in collaboration with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, this fight for equity translates into concrete actions that have been transforming the lives of boys and girls for the past 15 years.
In India, access to sports for girls remains a significant challenge. Cultural and social factors limit their participation in sports activities, perpetuating the idea that sports are a predominantly male domain. However, at NETS, we have been breaking this stigma for 15 years by providing a safe and inclusive space where both boys and girls can learn, play, and develop on equal terms.
Sport as a Tool for Empowerment
Sports have the power to transform lives. It’s not just about improving physical fitness or developing technical skills; it is also a tool for education, inclusion, and empowerment. At NETS, girls don’t just train in tennis—they also receive English and computer classes, breaking the barrier to knowledge that can change their future.
For many of them, playing tennis is already an act of courage. In some communities, seeing a girl with a racket in her hand is still surprising. But little by little, through effort and dedication, we have managed to change this perception. Today, families understand that sports are not just a recreational activity but a tool for their daughters’ personal and professional development.
Fifteen Years of Impact and Social Change
Since its creation, NETS has been a space of opportunity for hundreds of boys and girls in rural India. Together with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, we have promoted gender equality in both sports and education, ensuring that every participant has the same chances to learn and grow.
One of the greatest achievements has been the increasing participation of girls in the program. Initially, families were reluctant to enroll their daughters in sports activities. However, over time, as they witnessed the tangible benefits the program brought to their children, their perceptions changed. Today, many of our former female students have continued their academic and professional education, inspiring new generations of girls to follow in their footsteps.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite progress, significant challenges remain. The fight against gender stereotypes in sports is an ongoing task. There are still communities where girls’ education is not considered a priority, and child marriage remains a reality that cuts off many opportunities.
This is why NETS is more than just a tennis school—it is a refuge for learning, a safe space where girls can develop their skills without fear of being judged or limited by their gender. On this International Women’s Day, we want to reaffirm our commitment to equity, ensuring that every girl at NETS has the same opportunities for growth as her peers.
Celebrating the Future of Girls in Sports
International Women’s Day reminds us that the fight for equality is a collective effort. At NETS, we celebrate this day with the conviction that sports and education are fundamental pillars of social change. We will continue working to ensure that no girl is excluded from the opportunities that tennis, learning English, and computer skills can offer her.
The testimonies of many of our students prove the real impact that NETS has had on their lives. They have found in sports a space for confidence, self-improvement, and inspiration. Most importantly, they have shown that gender should never be an obstacle to achieving their dreams.
Breaking barriers is not easy, but it is necessary. At NETS, we have spent 15 years challenging stereotypes and advocating for equal opportunities for boys and girls in India. On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to continue creating inclusive and safe spaces where every girl can develop her potential without limits or prejudice.
The journey is still long, but with every racket raised, every word learned in English, and every hour spent in front of a computer, we are building a more equitable future. Because when it comes to dreams and opportunities, gender should never be a barrier.