Rabia Khreiss

 Algeria - Yasmina jilali managed to transform depression into a source of inspiration and motivation to achieve her dreams. Her suffering pushed her to hold on to sports as a lifeline, and through determination and discipline, she became a certified fitness trainer. But she didn’t stop there—she founded Taafi (“Recovery”), a non-profit sports association offering free fitness and bodybuilding programs for women battling illness, turning her personal journey into a mission of hope and healing.

A Symbol of Strength and Perseverance

In the city of Chlef, located in northwestern Algeria, Yasmina Djilali is more than just an athlete—she is a living symbol of resilience. A young woman who conquered chronic illness through sports and turned her pain into purpose. Her story stands as a model of what it means to rise above adversity with courage, determination, and vision.

Now in her thirties, Yasmina recalls that her entry into the world of sports was never part of a grand plan. A graduate of law and political science with a bachelor’s degree in law, she once dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But life had other plans. “After giving birth to my second child, I fell into severe depression,” she says. “I decided to take up sports because I knew it could help reduce stress hormones and improve my mental health.”

From that dark moment emerged a small idea—one that would grow into a movement. “After the difficult experiences I went through, I wanted to become a source of strength for other women like me,” Yasmina explains. She undertook professional training, earned several certifications, and began working as a fitness coach. Eventually, she founded Taafi, a women’s sports association whose mission is simple yet powerful: to help every woman write a new story for herself.

She credits her family’s unwavering support as the foundation of her success.

Fitness as a Path to Healing

Yasmina’s project is not just about exercise—it’s about emotional recovery. She focuses particularly on women in hospitals and nursing homes, encouraging them to embrace physical activity as part of their healing journey. “You don’t need a doctor’s recommendation to move your body,” she insists.

Through her fieldwork, she’s found that most women turn to exercise only after falling ill, even though regular activity can prevent many health problems. “Fitness isn’t a luxury or a trend—it’s a way of life,” she says.

Why Many Algerian Women Avoid Sports

According to Yasmina, many women—especially in smaller towns—avoid sports due to deep-rooted social beliefs. “There’s still this widespread idea that sports are for men, or that women who exercise do it for show,” she explains. “Movies and media stereotypes also shape these misconceptions, reflecting a lack of sports culture in our society.”

University studies on women’s participation in sports across Algeria confirm her view: traditional norms and social pressures have discouraged women from pursuing athletic activities. Researchers recommend challenging these outdated notions and empowering women to see sports as a natural and essential part of daily life—not something incompatible with social or religious expectations.

Another major barrier, Yasmina adds, is the lack of infrastructure. “Many smaller cities don’t have female-only gyms, swimming pools, or sports clubs. Most women have to rely on private facilities, which can be expensive. We need more accessible community-based programs and local women’s sports associations.”

“Sports Are a Form of Therapy”

Yasmina strongly believes that sports are not just about fitness—they are a form of therapy. She calls for more inclusive spaces where women and girls across Algeria can safely and comfortably participate in sports. “This shouldn’t be limited to the big cities,” she emphasizes. “Physical activity is crucial for both mental health and community wellbeing.”

She also suggests launching awareness campaigns through national media to encourage women to integrate sports into their daily routines.

Currently, there are no official statistics on the number of women-only gyms in Algeria. Most available facilities are mixed-use or general sports centers, though a growing number of private gyms now cater exclusively to women—providing safe, comfortable spaces that empower them to move freely and confidently.