Abstract

This chapter offers rare insight into the author's experiences as a Professor of Physical Education and Sport at Sarajevo University who experienced life in Bosnia and Herzegovina before, during and after the 1990s' war. As a moderate Muslim country with strong European influences, women have historically enjoyed participation in many forms of physical activity. The country hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. Much of the country's infrastructure was destroyed in the war, and the atrocities of 'ethnic cleansing' to remove the Bosnian Muslims from their homeland can never be forgotten. Girls and women found ways to keep important aspects of their identity and social networks together through sport. Today there are successful women athletes in many sports from boxing to speed skating, but there are many more successful men. There is a need to develop women's coaching and leadership skills to counter the dominance of men in the field. Einleitung