Four Questions for… Shakhlo Mukhammadrakhimova
Shakhlo Mukhammedrakhimova (bottom far left) with Taekwondo members from the Tajikistan and Kazakhstan teams. (Photo: Rustam Usmanov/Tajikistan Taekwondo National Federation)
12 May 2010
Taekwondo World Champion Shakhlo Mukhammedrakhimova, 20, is also a champion of ending violence against women. In her native Tajikistan, she regularly visits crisis centres and speaks out on radio and television as a spokesperson for the UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign. At a recent press conference in Almaty, held at the close of the 5th Asia Taekwondo Championship, she joined the Taekwondo Federations of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan in urging their members to support the campaign. The Kazakhstan federation recently joined the campaign, while the Tajkistan federation has participated in it since 2009, including through actions to educate members of the military and promote awareness through a martial arts festival.
In a brief interview in Almaty, Mukhammedrakhimova shared her perspectives:
Is the problem of violence serious in Tajikistan?
In my opinion, it is widely spread. I do not want my friends, sisters and women of Tajikistan in general to face such a problem.
Why did you join the UNiTE campaign?
I voluntarily responded to the call of the UN Secretary-General to contribute to solving this problem. Only together we will be able to eliminate violence.
How can sport and particularly taekwondo contribute to ending violence against women?
Sports can be a part of the struggle against violence. Women in sports gain self-confidence. If it is necessary, she will be able to defend herself and make the right decision.
What do you wish for those girls and women suffering from violence?
I would like to tell them not to give up, not to lose their courage, not to be silent! They should address the authorities that deal with these issues, and also become active participants of the UNiTE campaign.
