In this episode we go to Zimbabwe to speak with Natsiraishe Maritsa, she’s an 18 year old Taekwondo trainer doing incredible work for young girls in her community and country.
She’s using the sport of Taekwondo to engage, empower and educate her community to fight against child marriage in Zimbabwe. Her project combines taekwondo lessons with discussions about the risks of early marriage, designed to create a safe environment for girls to discuss topics including pregnancy, gender-based violence and harassment.
Her efforts have been recently recognized and awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women and Sport Awards.
Articles
The teenage taekwondo trainer fighting child marriage in Zimbabwe – photo essay:
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/jan/22/the-teenage-taekwondo-trainer-fighting-child-marriage-in-zimbabwe-photo-essay
Teenage taekwondo instructor recognised in IOC Women and Sport Awards:
https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1118834/ioc-women-and-sport-awards
Video
Zimbabwean teen teaches taekwondo to fight child marriage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPUWRgeTWe4
Combat Sports in Africa is hosted by Garmamie