“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life” (Mohammad Ali)
Human life in the world is as much dependent on women as it is on men. Women have traditionally and naturally taken care of the most important affairs of creation, such as birth and raising of children. However, there is much more than women can do and have done.
There are many talented women in Kashmir in all fields of public life. Somewhere, though, they face a lack of basic amenities and their work is not appreciated. Women have represented Kashmir on national and international platforms in the field of sports. Be it football coach Nadiya Night, Baramulla cricketer Iqra Rasool, Rugby player Irtiqa Ayoub, or twice world kickboxing champion Tajamul Islam, who recently won gold medal on October 22 in Egypt.
In the modern age, women are standing side by side with men and proving everywhere their abilities and virtues. Every sector, be it political or social, economic or political, women are on the path of progress and equality. “Every women’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on,” said the tennis champion Serena Williams.
Some hidden talents in human beings develop over time, but the only ones who reach the milestones of success are those who worked very hard. An excellent example of this is 13-year-old Qawnain Rafiq from Natipora area of Srinagar district. Qawnain is a martial arts expert. The little champ has won 7 gold medals, 2 bronze, 2 silver and has already qualified for the blue belt. Qawnain says she was interested in martial arts since her childhood and used to take part in every competition. It’s not just about teaching girls how to fight; good martial arts training teaches girls to assess situations so that they can prevent potential attacks, and fight back if necessary, which are all vital components of a good self-defence energy. In order to pursue her dream, she joined the training camp in her school where she learnt several things including self-defence, after which she participated in the 5th GM DAR memorial SQAY national championship 2018 held at Pahalgam in June 2018 and won silver medal.
“In my first national championship, I managed to get a bronze medal. Later in Rajasthan nationals, I got the gold medal,” she said.
Qawnain said that her family has been supportive from day one and they are very happy that she is now doing so well. Qawnain also has interest in painting, photography and wants to clear the UPSC exams.
“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength” (GD Anderson)

—The writer is Sr EDP Head and Counsellor at DD Target PMT Parraypora, institute for Medical/JEE/Foundation coaching. [email protected]

Aubaid Ahmed Akhoon