Float like a butterfly, fight like a girl: Female boxers of DR Congo
African girls break barriers by boxing their way against patriarchy. Photo courtesy: The Guardian
The capital city of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kinshasa, is buzzing with sporting activities amid all the militia violence under the corrupt political system. The people of Kinshasa find football and boxing a means to escape from all their problems.
Congo has endured much bloodshed and violence over the years, with rape and sexual assault used as weapons of terror. It is considered a patriarchal society for its gender roles identifying women as domestic workers with less or no administration power.
Twenty two female boxers in DRC share their experiences of fighting their way into the world of boxing.
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Only 8 out of 22 girls will be selected for participation in the pan-African championships and big competitions. Courtesy: The Guardian
“I won some fights in the province, which led to me being recommended to the national team. I was very surprised, my coach got the money for a ticket to Kinshasa for me. There wasn’t even a real ring for fights in my home province, terrible conditions,” said 26-year-old, Miki Ndaya.
She said her daughter’s support makes her feel like famous boxer Muhammad Ali but the journey has not been easy.
“I’ve moved from far to be here, to train with the federation. It’s a struggle to feed my daughter; it’s a struggle to pay for transport to get to training and it’s hard to buy sports clothing and gear,” said Ndaya.
Jorbelle Malewu said she was not inspired by Muhammad Ali, but Mike Tyson instead. Courtesy: The Guardian
“I don’t have a husband or a child, my mother and grandmother are my family, there’s nothing to hold me back!” said Jorbelle Malewu.
She added that with better training conditions their performance will improve: “Our training conditions are not comfortable. I am a champion, but I feel very unaided: the state of our facilities and the money that funds us doesn’t reflect our potential and talent here.”
The government has been criticised for not providing adequate funding to any other sport other than football.
Nonetheless, the female boxers are determined to make a difference by making use of the limited facilities they have.
Sakobi said she had a great coach at the club but was the only girl so felt pressure. Courtesy: The Guardian.
“My coach is sacrificing his personal money to buy me gloves and punching bags. That money could go to his family but he has spent it on me because the government only funds football here. We are really poor in the city and that brings it home for me. I really don’t like training outside every morning with people watching,” said Marcella Sakobi.
“People think female boxers here are wasting their time, that girls are only good for cooking, going to bed with and making children. I know I’m not wasting my time, my near future is in boxing. I have brains and skills – I don’t want a husband yet. Not everyone has the talent and drive I have,” said Sakobi.
This article originally appeared in The Guardian.
