Afghan Taekwondo Champion Fights for Women’s Rights Amid Death Threats

Marzieh Hamidi, a 21-year-old Afghan Taekwondo champion, has become a powerful voice for women’s rights in Afghanistan. After criticizing the Afghan men’s cricket team for not representing women, she faced an avalanche of over 5,000 threatening messages and calls, including death threats, since she now resides in Paris under police protection.

The Power of Sport

“Taekwondo gives me more identity as a woman,” Hamidi told CNN, emphasizing how sports empower women in society. Her activism comes at a time when the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports has forced many female athletes into exile. Hamidi stands alongside other brave Afghan women, such as Manizha Talash, who faced disqualification at the Paris Olympics for protesting against the Taliban’s oppression.

While Afghan men’s teams, like the popular cricket side, continue to compete internationally, female athletes are denied the same opportunities. Hamidi argues that the men’s teams do not represent the voices of Afghan women and have instead normalized the Taliban regime’s oppressive policies. “They are the Taliban team for me, not the Afghan team,” she stated, calling for an international ban on Afghan sports teams similar to the historical bans during apartheid.

Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Afghanistan, highlighted the severe restrictions imposed on women and girls, labeling the situation as gender apartheid. He noted that current laws institutionalize discrimination against women, leaving them marginalized in society. Hamidi has spearheaded a movement using the hashtag #LetUsExist to draw global attention to these injustices.

Despite the dangers she faces, including online harassment from Taliban sympathizers, Hamidi remains undeterred. The threats have evolved in complexity, leveraging modern technology and social media to instill fear. As she continues to advocate for Afghan women’s rights, she grapples with the impact of the Taliban’s surveillance capabilities.

Hamidi’s lawyer, Ines Davau, is working to expose the coordinated campaign of hate against her. The Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating the threats, aiming to hold accountable those perpetuating this violence. “There’s really a call to go on her Instagram profile to insult her, intimidate her, threaten her,” Davau explained.

Despite the relentless harassment, Hamidi remains committed to her mission. “They want to make us invisible in Afghanistan,” she said. “I want to show them that we are strong.” Her resilience not only inspires Afghan women but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Marzieh Hamidi’s story is not just about one athlete’s struggle; it represents a broader fight against gender-based violence and discrimination. As she continues to challenge the status quo, her bravery highlights the urgent need for global solidarity in the quest for women’s rights,both in Afghanistan and beyond.