Women boxers battle discrimination

As women boxers in Namibia lace up their gloves and step into the ring, they fight not just their opponents but with each jab and uppercut, they battle discrimination and demand recognition.

Though historically underrepresented and often overlooked, more Namibian women boxers are now stepping into the ring – as was evident at a Swakopmund boxing event over the weekend, in which two of the 12 bouts were allocated to women.

Young fighters Tinakie Haugeya, Selvane Araes, Rachel Iileka and Hatani Bronn showcased their prowess, each carrying a unique story and ambition, ready to challenge traditional gender roles and prove that they too belong in the boxing ring.

When asked about their motivation to box, the answers varied. Araes is determined to prove that girls and ladies can still box, despite societal expectations. Bronn was inspired by the sight of people fighting at a soccer field where her sister trained. Haugeya says it is in her blood, while Iileka loves the sport.

“At first, it was not my thing, but after trying it and seeing a big improvement in me, I started doing boxing seriously,” Bronn says. The weekend’s boxing event was hosted by Danny Team (TDT) Boxing Academy’s ‘Night of Pain’.

Despite old laws in Namibia prohibiting women from boxing professionally, there are also social and cultural beliefs that boxing is an unfit sport for women.

“People say girls can’t play soccer, but here they are, they’re still playing soccer. It’s the same thing with boxing. We can do it too,” Haugeya says.

The fighters say they face manifold hurdles on their path to recognition. Due to the dearth of female participants, they often spar against male opponents, and when it comes to representing the country, girls are frequently sidelined. Sometimes they win; sometimes they lose.

“We get times where the boxing authorities send out mostly men, because they don’t think we have what it takes to properly represent our region or country,” says Bronn.

A lack of opportunities and deep-rooted gender bias stifle their growth and development, yet, they refuse to be deterred.

“We can also do it. Girls can also do it as much as boys can do it. It’s not ‘girls just wanna have fun’, girls also wanna fight,” Araes says.

Moreover, these young women believe that boxing offers more than just the opportunity to compete. It can also serve as a pathway to self-discipline, responsibility and resilience.

They say that boxing keeps them focused and disciplined and prevents them from making wrong choices that can derail their lives, such as drug use or early pregnancy.

Looking to the future, they envision a more inclusive boxing scene in Namibia, one that acknowledges and respects the capabilities of female boxers. They ask for more opportunities, more representation, and more respect, not just for themselves but for all the girls and women in Namibia who dare to enter the boxing ring.

While women are making strides in the boxing ring, individuals like Klaudia Ndapapiwa, a dedicated boxing referee and judge, are breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated field.

With nearly a decade’s experience, Ndapapiwa is a testament to the increasing number of women officiating at boxing matches in Namibia.

“The number of female referees is increasing, though they are not that active. But we are represented,” she says.

But the scales are yet to balance when it comes to gender representation in the sport. It has been noted that referees and judges in Namibia have not received refresher workshops in over 12 years, and there are concerns over discrimination in their appointment at tournaments.

Progression in this field is fraught with challenges, including a lack of structured training, certification systems and a stable support system. Despite these obstacles, Ndapapiwa aspires to officiate at the Olympics or world championships and serve as an inspiration to others in the field.

Felesianu ‘Danny Boy’ Albino, a professional boxer, coach and organiser of the TDT ‘Night of Pain’ event, has contributed to nurturing the talent of young women boxers.

He acknowledges that the condition of women’s boxing in Namibia appears quite challenging and highlights the importance of discipline, rules and respect within the sport, regardless of gender.

His message to the Namibian Boxing Federation, the government and the Namibia Sports commission is clear – support and recognise these women.

“I think they need to put effort into this sport… Let’s support each other and we will have great opportunities if we mix it up with the ladies,” he says, adding that he looks forward to seeing female world champions from Namibia.

Meanwhile, there is also the old Boxing and Wrestling Control Act, enacted in 1980 under South African rule, which is viewed as outdated and discriminatory.

According to local sport experts, the act still guides Namibia after independence and prohibits women from participating in professional boxing matches.

The Namibian Boxing and Wrestling Control Board has been urged to engage the sport minister to implement a new professional act to address these issues to ensure the sport and opportunities are more accessible for women.

Landless People’s Movement member of parliament Utaara Mootu addressed the outdated act issue in June when she called the Namibia Boxing and Wrestling Control Board self-serving.

She said it did not fulfil its objectives.

“This institution still operates under an act that prescribes colonial rules and which has been subjected to discriminatory practices which not only perpetuates inequality, but also hampers [women’s] ability to pursue their athletic aspirations, showcase their talent and contribute to the development of sport within the country,” Mootu said at the time.

“The board’s capacity to adequately address the concerns of boxers and passionate boxing enthusiasts, who have consistently voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the Namibian Boxing Federation’s inability to implement comprehensive boxing development programmes nationwide, is inadequate.”

Contacted for comment yesterday, the office administrator of the boxing board, Janine van Wyk, asked The Namibian to email questions the federation could respond to.