‘I’m a warrior now’: how boxing is transforming the lives of young Nigerian women

Linked to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Gender Equality

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/apr/13/boxing-young-nigerian-women-photography

“I’m a different person to the one I was before boxing,” she says. “I feel relieved, like something has left me. I feel free.”

Looking at gender inequality, I believe that every girl on this planet has experienced a form of gender inequality. Looking at gender inequality in developing countries, this really shocked me. During this course we have talked explicitly about several areas of gender inequality. From (sexual) violence, lower wages, women in the informal sector, inequality in household tasks, females in rural areas and happenings like human trafficking en Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). We often got the question; are there possibilities to help? For example regarding FGM, is there a solution for this problem? After discussing several options, we came to realize that there is nothing much you can do against this traditional event. It is very hard to change a culture and its habits. But reading this article gave me some hope.

The topic of the Guardian article is boxing, and it is a very upcoming sport among young Nigerian women. Taiwo Aina, a documentary photographer and filmmaker, filmed Oni, 25 years old, and six other female boxers at EliteBox. Oni entered a boxing gym just over a year ago, unaware of the fact that it would transform her life. Her self-esteem had been wrecked as a result of child abuse, and she felt alone and anxious. Until now, she started boxing and finally feels free.

Some girls in the documentary train for fitness and self-defense, while others, like Oni, are professional boxers. They all attribute the sport with helping to improve their mental and physical well-being.

Looking at boxing, this might be a new idea to empower females in developing countries. Sports, but jobs as well, are often seen as male or female. Female boxing could break through this kind of stereotyping. Furthermore, these boxers can be role models for other women. I can imagine that if there is a lack of female role models, a lot of girls and women might simply fail to realize that equality is possible. Boxing ensures that women dare to stand up for themselves, and gender inequality can be reduced.

A downside of this concept is that fighting women are in conflict with their culture. In many African tribes it is not allowed for a female to be empowered and use violence. Women are supposed to be more modest, tender and concerned with the quality of life.

Women who speak up for themselves may face repercussions. In this case, boxing could do more trouble than good, especially for women in rural areas.

"My mother is now proud of me, but she was first opposed to my boxing career", says Oni. No one wants to marry a lady who 'turned' into a guy. Her mother is probably not the only one who has this opinion and statement. We have seen that community bonds are very important in Africa. Boxing could lead to exclusion. Due to this, I was very surprised that it was allowed to release this documentary.

On the other hand, staying in silence ensures continued gender inequality. This is something that I find myself agreeing with, indeed, if you are always afraid to take the first step, change will never come.

With boxing lessons, women can feel empowered and confident to stand up for themselves. Also, they don't have to use their fighting skills and violence to feel confident. Just the idea of having the skills can make them feel more stronger. Nigeria can be an example for other African countries. Potential is also in the fact that this can lead to more gender equality in general, for example in the workplace or within households. Publication of articles and documentaries like these, will also help to raise awareness about gender inequality.

What do you think? Do you think supporting females into boxing could be a way to achieve gender equality?

Another article that I recommend:

‘It is what girls need’: the FGM activist hoping to be the Gambia’s president

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/04/jaha-dukureh-fgm-activist-hoping-to-be-the-gambia-president

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