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"Socially constructed gender norms have a part to play"

By Her World Team - 

Image: The Ring Boxing Community
Image: The Ring Boxing Community
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As part of Her World's Health and Wellness Report 2022, where we surveyed over 6,000 women in Singapore, we bring to attention some of the key areas our readers are most interested in through personal stories. And in this three-part series on physical health, we shine the spotlight on women who are at the top of their game in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Kirstie Gannaway is a professional boxer and martial arts instructor who has won two professional boxing fights. The 31-year-old tells us about what she loves about the sport and what she makes of its gender dynamics.

The Ring Boxing Community

"Growing up, I looked up to my older brother, and when he started competing in boxing after my dad signed him up for lessons, I was inspired to do it too. He brought me to the gym and taught me the basics, and I haven’t stopped training since.

My family had tried to discourage me from pursuing boxing – and then from fighting professionally – for a mix of reasons, including the risk of injury, and the lack of opportunities in Singapore that would make it hard to make ends meet. It was a big risk on my part to pursue it, but it is my passion and I made the decision to proceed. I became a professional boxer in 2018, and currently train at The Ring Boxing Community. Boxing is a male-dominated sport, but I believe socially constructed gender norms contribute to that.

Gender challenges helped her sharpen her mind in the sport

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While there were times when I had to prove myself as a female fighter, those moments only helped me to sharpen my mindset in the sport.

That said, I have been heckled at because of my gender. My worst experience was at a gym in Australia – I had to put up with guys making sexual noises at me while spooning gym equipment and making inappropriate jokes. I left and never went back. I’m particular about only training in places where I’m shown respect, and during those times when I struggled to find the right place, I would just train at home.

More women in boxing than before

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There are now more women in boxing than before, and the eagerness of women to break gender stereotypes is also greater than ever! Boxing has become so much more popular as a way to get fit, and it helps that there are now plenty of female role models in combat sports.

My journey in martial arts has allowed me to learn so much about myself and how to become a better person: from learning and applying discipline, respect and self-confidence, to practising focus, mindfulness and calmness under pressure. Also, as women, our bodies are constantly changing due to hormonal fluctuations and this has taught me to trust my intuition when it comes to training.

Want to try? Find a gym you're comfortable in

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My advice to women looking to pick up boxing? Check out the different gyms until you find what feels like the right environment for you. I pay a lot of attention to the people at a gym because they are the ones who create the vibe of the place. It’s important to train at a place where you feel safe and comfortable. If you feel intimidated, you can also start by getting a friend or colleague to attend a class with you.

This story first appeared in the April 2022 issue of Her World. 

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boxingcelebrating womenhealth and wellness reportphysical healthsportswomanwhat women want
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