Throughout their lives, girls face many glass ceilings in different spheres. The conventionally accepted value of a girl is her ability to cook and reproduce. But a few brave, chivalrous (yes, applies to women too) women challenge these notions and tell us that a woman can achieve anything in life if given a chance.
One such amazing woman is Naila Kiani, a mountaineer, boxer, aerospace engineer, and mother. Going against the odds, Naila has brilliantly busted all the stereotypes. She is offering free boxing sessions on Zoom to the girls. Understanding the hurdles any Pakistani girl would face, including the absence of proper training facilities and lack of time or opportunity, she has introduced online basic training for boxing. The registration for this program is open now.
Hailing from Rawalpindi, Naila comes from a conservative family. Since her teenage, she had a passion for sports and activities that are generally deemed a boy-specific realm. She finally got to realize her dreams when she moved to the UK with her family and got many opportunities. She started boxing when she was at university. Naila also tried her skills in flying.
I did not share much on social media, as I was doing it for myself and not to flaunt. So, I do not have pictures of these activities. However, now I have started sharing pictures because I observed that many girls are getting inspired by it.
Naila is also into trekking and is now inclined toward mountain climbing. “I wouldn’t call myself a mountain climber. The title is more of a mountaineer now.” She is planning to explore the high peaks this year. Recently, she resides in Dubai with her family and works with a bank.
Halley’s Comet of a Wedding
Naila also made news for her unique wedding idea. A typical wedding entails music, dance, and the couple sitting on the stage with everyone fixating on the couple’s dress, body language, and above all, the food and the reception. Naila broke this tradition as well.
A brief event took place on the K2 Base Camp in the freezing cold of Concordia where the temperature drops down to minus 20, 30 at night.
I have wanted to see the K2 Base Camp since I was a teenager but got the opportunity now. After Nikkah, I discussed with my husband about arranging a short event at the camp. I did not want a typical grand wedding where I had to sit on the stage while donning lehnga.
About Society’s Notions and Perceptions
Being a boxer and a mountaineer is not on the checklist of a typical Pakistani household when finding a wife/daughter-in-law. A woman has to bear many weird, uncalled for comments for defying society’s norms and conventions. Naila has had her fair share of snarky comments about her being a woman who does not fit in the preconceived image of a wife.
“I get to hear these comments even now after a few years of my marriage. Initially, our friends would make jokes about this, but my husband and I got used to it. When I went to the boxing club in the UK ten years ago, I was the first girl to join them in thirty years. Over time, they realized that boxing is not just for boys. So, I guess this problem does not prevail only in our country.”
Here is a candid interview with Naila Kiani where the email address for registration of the free boxing sessions is also shared.
Watch Naila Kiani in conversation with Neelam Aslam
Leave a Reply