The Olympics women’s boxing “controversy” downplays women’s strength - and the impact of domestic violence

The manufactured “controversy” around the Olympic women’s boxing dominated news cycles for days on end, and is still, despite repeated debunking, rumbling on. Boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, who have both competed in women’s boxing for years without issue, had their gender questioned following their controversial disqualification from an earlier boxing event by the discredited IBA.

Paris 2024 features a historic 50-50 split in male and female athletes. Yet, true gender equality remains distant. Women face underpayment, a ban on hijabs, and persistent sexism. Despite progress, such as more female Olympic coaches, the sports world still grapples with significant gender-based barriers.

With conviction rates for sexual violence described as ‘a lottery’ by the Victims Commissioner, survivors being subjected to ‘digital strip searches’ as part of investigations, and a disturbing number of police officers being convicted of sexual assault and domestic violence, it’s not surprising that many survivors do not trust the current system when it comes to addressing and ending gender-based violence.

Weight Lifting Wonders!