Women, Refugees, and Minorities at the Paris Olympics

Manizha Talash, the first Afghan Olympic breakdancer, has achieved a significant milestone in the history of the Olympics. She began her training as the only girl among 55 boys from the Superiors Crew. Despite the challenges she faced, she persevered, demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to pursuing one’s passion. The Kabul gym, where she trained, has been a target of attacks, including a car bomb and the arrest of a would-be bomber, highlighting the courage and determination of Talash and her fellow athletes. After the Taliban took power, Talash fled from Pakistan to Spain to seek asylum and continue breakdancing, a testament to her resilience and commitment to her art.

Cindy Ngamba, the Cameroonian-born boxer, is a beacon of courage. She made history by winning the first medal for the refugee Olympic team. Ngamba, who moved to the UK at age 10, does not possess a British passport. Her words, “It’s essential to me to be the first refugee to win a medal,” reflect her courage and determination. Ngamba, who cannot return to Cameroon due to her sexual orientation, is a living example of bravery. The refugee Olympic team, which first competed in Rio in 2016, did not win a medal then.