Afghan Female Boxers Fight Battles In and Out of the Ring

In Afghanistan, stepping into a boxing ring as a woman means fighting battles far beyond punches and jabs. For these athletes, the struggle for recognition, equality, and safety is as intense as any sparring match. They confront cultural barriers, navigate political instability, and risk personal safety to pursue their passion.

A History of Defiance

The story of women's boxing in Afghanistan is one of resilience against formidable odds. Even before the Taliban's resurgence, female athletes faced significant societal hurdles. In 2007, the Afghan Women's Boxing Federation was formed, but its primary challenge was a shortage of funds. Training took place in the dilapidated gymnasium of Kabul's National Stadium, a place once used for Taliban executions. The boxers had limited resources, sometimes relying on homemade punching bags.

Despite these challenges, determined women pursued boxing, viewing it as a means of empowerment and social change. Concord resident Tareq Shawl Azim, whose family left Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion, returned to Kabul in 2004 to train young women to box. He believed that sports could bring positive change to Afghanistan.

The Taliban's Impact

The Taliban's return to power in August 2021 drastically altered the landscape for female athletes. The new regime imposed severe restrictions on women, banning them from most forms of employment, secondary and tertiary education, and participation in sports. This ban is part of what UN experts have termed the Taliban's "institutionalized system of sex and gender discrimination and oppression," potentially amounting to crimes against humanity.

Many female athletes were forced into hiding, destroying evidence of their involvement in sports to avoid retribution. Some fled the country, seeking refuge where they could continue training and competing. Seema Rezai, a lightweight boxing champion, escaped Afghanistan after receiving death threats from the Taliban for training with a male coach.

Resistance and Resilience

Despite the oppressive environment, Afghan women continue to resist. Some secretly practice boxing in private homes, using limited equipment. Rayan, a 19-year-old boxer, told AFP, "We train less, but we never stopped." These clandestine activities provide a temporary escape from the stress and exhaustion caused by the restrictions.

Afghan women athletes who have fled the country continue to compete on the international stage, often under the flag of the ousted Republic or as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has barred the Taliban from participating in the Paris Games and continues to support Afghan athletes in exile. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Afghan team included an equal number of female and male athletes.

International Support and Advocacy

Various international organizations and individuals are working to support Afghan female athletes. The IOC has provided financial aid and scholarships to athletes, prioritizing women and girls. Human Rights Watch has called for the Taliban to be banned from the Olympic movement until women and girls can train and compete again.

Groups like ASCEND and Shirzanan aim to empower women through sports and amplify their voices in global media. These efforts provide crucial resources and advocacy for Afghan women striving to overcome social and institutional obstacles.

A Symbol of Hope

Afghan female boxers represent more than just athletes; they are symbols of hope and resilience in the face of oppression. Their determination to pursue their dreams, despite the risks, inspires women and girls in Afghanistan and around the world.

As Samira Asghari, a former basketball player from Afghanistan, wrote, "Sport became our vehicle for promoting our own rights, including the rights to health and education." Even in exile, Afghan women athletes continue to represent their country and advocate for the rights of women and girls back home.

The fight for Afghan female boxers is far from over. They continue to face immense challenges, but their courage and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality, freedom, and the transformative power of sports. The world must not forget these athletes and must continue to support their struggle for a brighter future.