Athlete and activist, Sadia Bromand stands as a powerful symbol of Afghan women’s resistance in the face of oppression. Since seeking asylum in Berlin in 2019, she has continued her boxing career while speaking out against the brutal repression women endure in her homeland. Balancing punches with protest, her journey is a testament to the courage and determination of those who refuse to be silenced.
A Symbol of Freedom in a Shackled Nation
Sadia grew up in Afghanistan, a country where girls face countless barriers simply for wanting to live freely. From a young age, she fell in love with sports—cycling to school, playing outside, and throwing herself into athletic activities after class. Her dream was bold but simple: to become a top athlete and represent Afghanistan on the world stage. In a deeply conservative society, such a dream was already an act of quiet rebellion. At first, her father supported her passion, encouraging her to participate in school sports. But when Sadia was selected for the national team and invited to compete abroad, things took a turn. She was still a minor, and her father refused to let her go. Undeterred, she argued, reasoned, and eventually convinced him to say yes. That moment marked the beginning of a long, personal fight—not just to pursue sport, but to live as a free woman.
As her athletic profile grew, so did her impact. Sadia became more than a boxer—she became a beacon for young Afghan women. Through interviews and public appearances, she began challenging the deeply rooted norms that sought to keep women invisible. She called out injustice, criticized Taliban restrictions, and demanded change. But her rising voice also sparked fear. Though ousted from power in 2001, the Taliban’s influence remained strong. Women were still banned from sports and public life, and Sadia’s family warned her: speaking out could come at a high cost. They urged her to keep a low profile. She refused. Silence, she knew, would mean abandoning those who didn’t have her platform. Her fight had grown bigger than boxing—it had become a fight for human rights.
From Exile to the Ring
In 2019, facing growing danger, Sadia made the painful choice to leave Afghanistan. She moved to Berlin to pursue her career alone. No national team. No coach. No support system. When she steps into the ring today, she does so solo—but still proudly in the name of Afghanistan. In Germany, she trains with fierce dedication. Her hard work pays off: she takes silver at the Olympic Dreamer tournament in Sarajevo. Soon after, she becomes the only Afghan woman competing at the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. Her journey inspires others, giving hope to the many Afghan women fighting from the shadows.
From Berlin, Sadia continues to raise her voice. She insists Afghan women are strong, talented, and capable of excelling in every field—if only they’re given the chance. She rejects the fatalism often projected onto her country, refusing to believe that Taliban rule is permanent. For Sadia, Afghanistan’s future lies in education, freedom, and the empowerment of women. She is an outspoken critic of what both she and the UN describe as a form of “gender apartheid.” Since November 2022, women in Afghanistan have been banned even from gyms and public parks. Yet Sadia remains hopeful. She believes the oppressive regime will eventually fall. Her dream? To one day see Afghan girls studying, playing sports, and choosing their own paths—just like girls elsewhere in the world.
Inside the ring, Sadia Bromand fights with her body. Outside it, she fights with her voice. She’s turned pain into power, exile into purpose. And though she lives far from home, her mission is unwavering: to defend freedom, and to prove that resistance knows no borders.