Zainab Khan – The Mother of 4 Who is Defying All Odds
Zainab Khan recently won the first prize in the 3rd Kyokushin Kaikan Karate Championship in Bahrain.
She is a fitness trainer and a mother of 4 children ( all born via C – section). Her determination to succeed is inspiring and her skill has enabled her to become financially independent.
Hailing from a conservative Pathan family, she managed to overcome challenges with the support of her husband and brothers. She started her training for the karate championship after a gap of 17 years and remain undeterred to succeed. Kyokushin Kaikan Karate is a full body contact sport that can result in serious injuries. Zainab was put into the open weight category as she is over 35 years of ag. Defying the odds she managed to succeed against much larger and heavier opponents.
Not only did she show that our women are no less than our male athletes, but also proved to the world that if a woman put her eyes on the prize, she will work with dedication to attain it. Breaking barriers and challenging gender norms in their communities, these women are true leaders.
Watch Zainab Khan’s Impact Story Video Below:
The Dire Need to Promote Women Like Zainab Khan in Sports
Promoting women in sports is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to promote gender equality and break down gender stereotypes that have historically been associated with sports.
Women’s participation in sports can help to challenge the notion that sports are only for men and that women should focus solely on domestic or caregiving roles.
Secondly, promoting women in sports provides female athletes with opportunities for personal growth and development. These skills are not only valuable in sports but can also be transferred to other areas of their lives, such as their careers or personal relationships.
Thirdly, promoting women in sports can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of women. Participation in sports has been linked to improved physical and mental health outcomes, including reduced rates of obesity, depression, and anxiety. By encouraging women to participate in sports, we can help to promote healthy lifestyles and improve overall well-being.
Lastly, promoting women in sports can have a significant economic impact. The sports industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and by promoting women’s participation in sports, we can tap into a previously untapped market. Women’s sports can help to increase revenue streams for sports organizations, create jobs in the sports industry, and contribute to economic growth.
WOW360 Impact Stories Series
Impact Stories is a series of videos for the Women in Leadership Programme to inspire and empower women leaders at all levels. This series will highlight women who have taken up the challenge to break barriers and challenge norms.
By highlighting these stories, we hope to empower future women leaders to pursue their journey to leave a powerful impact on the community, city, and the country overall.
Together, we can give women the platform they need and require to take the first step.
This article is produced in a strategic partnership with SEED Ventures for the British Council’s Women in Leadership (WIL) Programme based on the Clore Social Modules.
It is a comprehensive training and development initiative aimed at empowering and equipping women to reach their full potential as leaders in their respective fields.
The WIL Programme was designed to address the ongoing issue of gender inequality in the workplace and at home and to provide women with the tools and skills necessary to succeed as leaders in a rapidly changing world.