The growing demand from Iraqi women and girls who want to take up martial arts

Iraqi fitness trainer Bushra Abdel-Zahra has not let the expectations of Iraqi society stand in her way.

Bushra Abdel-Zahra working out in her home (Reuters). Source: Reuters.

The 36-year-old mother of two, who lives in the holy city of Najaf, was undeterred by her society’s conservative expectations when she decided to take up boxing and karate.  What drives her?

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