Jawahir Roble

Jawahir ‘JJ’ Roble, currently a referee and coach at Football Beyond Borders (FBB), is a trailblazing figure in British football and an inspiring racial equality speaker. Best known as the UK’s first Black female hijab-wearing referee, JJ uses her lived experience of being a Somali-born refugee and a minority woman in sport to passionately advocate for inclusion and diversity. Her career is rooted in breaking barriers—not only in football but also in the broader societal expectations placed upon young Muslim women. As a speaker, JJ covers topics such as racial equality in sport, gender inclusion, the power of representation, and challenging cultural stereotypes, always connecting her story with wider conversations around equity and access.

JJ’s journey into football began in Somalia and took root in the UK after she arrived as a refugee at age 10. Despite her parents’ reservations about football being a “man’s game”, she pursued her passion relentlessly. After discovering refereeing by chance, she quickly recognised it as a pathway that combined her love for football with leadership. Her efforts to encourage girls in her community led her to form a girls’ team, driven by the lack of opportunities she saw growing up. Her work with young people eventually led to a key role at Football Beyond Borders, where she became a coach for their first women’s team.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, JJ received the Respect Award for her work with FBB and promoting inclusion in football. In 2019, she was named among the BBC’s 100 Women of the Year, and in 2023, she was appointed an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to football and charity. She also supports the Jason Roberts Foundation, offering mentoring and refereeing for disadvantaged youth. These accolades highlight not just her accomplishments, but also the impact of her mission to make football accessible to all.

As a speaker, JJ brings authenticity, humour, and heart to her sessions. She speaks on the importance of visibility, the power of sport to challenge racism and sexism, and how to overcome cultural limitations. Her insights are grounded in personal struggle and resilience, making her an ideal speaker for events focused on racial equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership. JJ is hired not only because she inspires, but because she represents a lived example of how to lead change from the grassroots up.