On this International Women’s Day, we spotlight the remarkable journey of Nakato Ashfa, a boxing sensation breaking barriers both in and out of the ring.
Emerging from Speaks Boxing Academy, Nakato is not only a devoted mother but also a thriving entrepreneur at Kitintale market.
In an exclusive interview with NBS Sport, Nakato shared the driving force behind her decision to pursue boxing. She revealed her aspiration to challenge stereotypes and follow her passions.
She expressed gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support in helping her balance family, business, and sports.
Nakato also shed light on the challenges faced by women in sports, particularly in boxing. She mentioned issues such as limited access to resources, unequal opportunities for sponsorship, and societal stereotypes perpetuated against female athletes, which hinder the growth of women’s sports in Uganda.
Colleagues like Nalongo Hadith’s Kabite from Kitintale market expressed admiration for Nakato’s journey, highlighting the positive impact she had on their community. They say her story inspires other women to pursue their passions fearlessly, break gender norms, and foster a sense of unity and empowerment among women.
They emphasized the importance of women supporting women and celebrating each other’s achievements.
However, Nakato’s journey also unveils a gap in female representation in coaching roles. Coaches Herbert Kalungi and Zabinga Benedict stressed the need for more women to step into coaching positions, underlining the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports leadership.
Nakato Ashfa’s story is more than just a tale of boxing triumphs; it’s a symbol of passion, dedication, and resilience.
As she continues to break barriers, Nakato inspires a new generation of women to rewrite the narrative in sports and beyond, leaving an unforgettable legacy of empowerment and unity.
