When book author
Natasha Mostert wrote her new novel Keeper of Light and Dust , she used her life experiences in the dojo to help her. Afterwards, she found out about a group of Afghan women that were being taught how to box in a stadium that the Taliban had previously used for executions. From boxing and learning how to defend themselves, these women are no doubt beginning to feel a sense of control and empowerment in a society that historically has attempted to make them feel the opposite.
Now Mostert is trying to help by offering some of the income she derives from Keeper of Light and Dust to “ CPAU Fighting for Peace .” Cooperation for Peace and Unity is hoping to expand the aforementioned Afghan female boxing program and possibly even put together a team of boxers for inclusion in the 2012 Olympics if the sport becomes recognized.
Empowerment is a great thing that learning a martial art can sometimes accomplish for people. Congratulations to these Afghan women and the Indian martial artists previously mentioned at About Martial Arts for their courage and determination. Mostert clearly has a good idea here.
*Photo Courtesy of Natasha Mostert*
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