Pakistani female boxer: Punching through barriers

One of Pakistan’s most promising young female boxers is inspiring a generation of girls to chase their dreams.

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Transcript

Transcript

Transcript
This is 16 year old Fajar Fatima, 1 of Pakistan’s most promising young professional boxers. I started boxing when I was 6, so it’s a long story and I suffered a lot to be in this level. So I just want to say to all the girls, do what you want, do cross all the better, do cross all the limits, so do what you want to do. Every day she travels nearly two hours to get to the boxing Academy where she hones her craft. Since going pro aged just 15, she has been undefeated. Her story has inspired other girls in Pakistan. Seeing further in the ring as you know that in Pakistan girls are not empowered more like boys are just like very dominant. So I love seeing further in the ring Causeway I love my girls and seeing her makes me more passionate and wants me fight more and being dominant just like the boys are and being equal. But Fatima story has also caused waves in the conservative country. As a brother I face a lot of problem that people discourage my sister that it’s a Muslim country. Why? My sister is doing boxing, so I always used to say that it’s a game, it’s a sport. Even though some of her relatives are against girls taking part in sports like boxing, Fatima has refused to be boxed in. My relatives are, some are supportive but some disappoints us that you are a girl, you shouldn’t do this. I don’t need people to tell me who I am. I know who I am and I’m doing it for my country, my father and my family. She says none of her success would have been possible without her parents support. Fatima urges other parents in Pakistan. Support their daughters and chasing their dreams. I just want to say firstly to the parents, we all have just one life. People will always bark, always remotivate you but I think we all have one life. Let’s do what they want to do, be open minded and let never stop dreaming.