"This is not a men vs. women issue. It's about people vs. prejudice."

Source: Sky Sports

People vs. Prejudice. Prejudice, whether based on race, gender, religion, sexuality or any other facet of identity, is a shadow that lurks in the background of our societies, shaping our interactions both subtle and overt. It affects how we treat each other. In every corner of the world, the struggle against prejudice is an ongoing battle. Globally, every girl dreams of living in a world where people don't judge each other based on their identities. Imagine a world run by fighters like Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting. 

In this world, every girl grows up knowing she can pursue her passion without fear of judgement. In such a world, prejudice and bias have no place. Just imagine a world run by fighters like Imane Khelif and Ling Yu Ting, where every punch thrown against the walls of prejudice brings us closer to equality. Prejudice is kind of a refusal to see people as an individual. From Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks to Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting, many people have risen to challenge prejudice. From Rosa Parks era to 2024 Olympics, we can see no change in the societal expectations. The battle against sexism is far from over. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Indeed. 

Imane Khelif and Lin Yu Ting, has been in the news because of some gender related controversies. The participation of both players ignited a hot debate. People are spreading hate against IOC and their participation in Paris Olympics, because of failed gender eligibility test. President of IOC , Thomas Bach, defended them by saying -"We have two boxers who are born as a woman, who have been raised as a woman, who have a passport as a woman and who have competed for many years as a woman."

"This is the clear definition of a woman. There was never any doubt about them being a woman."

"What we see now is that some want to own the definition of who is a woman."

"There I can only invite them to come up with a scientific-based, new definition of who is a woman and how can somebody being born, raised, competed and having a passport as a woman cannot be considered a woman."

"If they are coming up with something, we are ready to listen, we are ready to look into it, but we will not take part in a sometimes politically-motivated, cultural war."

"Allow me to say that what is going on in this context in social media with all this hate speech, with this aggression and abuse fuelled by this agenda is totally unacceptable."

Yes, totally unacceptable.

An article by Dan Wolken wrote about Olympics- "It’s a circus. And with Khelif now just two more wins away from a gold medal after defeating Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary on Saturday, it’s only going to get worse. Even though she’s done nothing wrong. Even though there’s no evidence she’s anything other than what she says and believes she is."

From a young age, Khelif had a strong passion for boxing, a sport mostly dominated by men in her community. At first, her family was unsure, but they soon became her biggest supporters, seeing her unique determination. Khelif’s struggles with judgment were not limited to Algeria. On the international stage, people around the world admired her skill but also quickly judged the decisions.

The discrimination faced by her is a reminder that a lot of work is left to be done. 

Beyond the ring, she passionately speaks about the societal change we need, urging communities to look beyond gender and appreciate the real talent. 

The traditional expectations of women's roles in society is rigid. Their story highlights how every women in her career faces the same bias. 

By promoting gender equality and challenging stereotypes, we can create a world where every child, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Imane Khelif, being an ambassador at UNICEF, said - My message to young people is to follow your dreams. Don’t let obstacles come in your way, resist any obstacles and overcome them. My dream is to win a gold medal. If I win, mothers and fathers can see how far their children can go. I particularly want to inspire girls and children who are disadvantaged in Algeria."

And when she was asked what achievement she is proud of, she told UNICEF- "It’s being able to overcome the obstacles in my life."

Her boxing journey was not only about physical strength but also fighting the discrimination.

Her father also supported her and said -"The Italian opponent she faced was unable to defeat my daughter because my daughter was stronger and she was softer."

In a world which often rushes to judge, she inspires every girl who imagines what if the world was run by fighters like Imane and Lin.