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Amaiya Zafar, 16, practices boxing every night in a St. Paul, Minnesota, gym. She aspires to compete in the 2020 Olympics. A devout Muslim, Zafar announced at six that she wanted to wear a hijab, but she is not allowed to compete in one.
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Amaiya Zafar, 16, practices boxing every night in a St. Paul, Minnesota, gym. She aspires to compete in the 2020 Olympics. A devout Muslim, Zafar announced at six that she wanted to wear a hijab, but she is not allowed to compete in one. She has spoken with local officials, USA Boxing, and the International Boxing Association to obtain a waiver so she can wear her hijab and clothing under her jersey. In the meantime she still trains every night as if she will compete.

Her story is part of the National Geographic article titled “Changing Girlhood,” which focuses on girls growing up in America and the messages they receive from various forms of media as they transition into young women.

UPDATE: May 3, 2017

In April, USA Boxing issued a waiver to Zafar to allow her to fight in local matches and she was finally able to get in the ring on Saturday, April 29th. Despite losing the match in a split decision, Zafar, her opponent, and their coaches shared a group hug, nodding to the importance of the occasion. USA Boxing said in a statement that they are currently amending their domestic competition rules to accommodate boxers’ religions. For now, they say they will consider exemptions on an individual basis as per their policy for non-advancing domestic competitions. For Zafar to fulfill her dream of boxing in the 2020 Olympics, she’d still need an international waiver from AIBA, boxing’s international governing body.

VIDEO: Kitra Cahana
EDITOR: Gabrielle Ewing
TRANSCRIPTIONS: Fletcher Reveley

This Teen Boxer Wants A Chance to Compete Wearing Her Hijab | National Geographic

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While 780 million people live in countries where same-sex relationships are legal, 2.8 billion people live where consensual same-sex acts are a crime. Photojournalist Robin Hammond is working to end the persecution of LGBTI people around the world.
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About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world’s premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what’s possible.

While 780 million people live in countries where same-sex relationships are legal, 2.8 billion people live in countries where consensual same-sex acts are a crime. Photojournalist and activist Robin Hammond, who photographed the 2017 Gender Revolution issue of National Geographic magazine, has dedicated his life to documenting human rights issues and is actively working to make a difference in the lives of people around the world. While on assignment in Nigeria for National Geographic, Hammond heard of five men who were arrested and flogged in court for being gay. Hammond met with the men, and after learning their story applied for a grant to begin a project called Where Love Is Illegal, with the mission of helping to end persecution based on sexuality and gender identity. Hammond takes the stage to share stories and photographs of the many LGBTI people whose stories he has documented through the years.

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Where Love Is Illegal: Chronicling LGBT Stories of Love and Discrimination (Part 1) | Nat Geo Live

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