Qawiya (قوية) is the Arabic word for strong.
This ongoing photo series documents women in sports in Qatar. Women who redefine strength and perseverance. I began this project out of admiration for their determination and discipline. Around the world, women in sports continue to fight for visibility and equality, and in Qatar, these women are building that path step by step, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.
Many of them have faced obstacles that go far beyond the physical demands of their disciplines. They have confronted prejudice, and persisted in spaces often dominated by men. Each of them carries a story of leadership and resilience. Through their dedication, they bring new energy and vision not only to Qatari sports but to the larger conversation about women in sports.
Among them are women like Afaaf Alqorane, the first female boxer in the MENA region, who faced difficulties to find other women to train and fight against. Amal Mohed, a basketball player, began playing only after 2013, when the use of the hijab was finally permitted in international competitions. She has since become Qatar’s first FIBA referee. Mariam Farid, a sprinter, is one of the first women to represent Qatar in the IAAF, paving the way for many others who will follow.
Their stories are as diverse as their disciplines, yet they share the same essence of determination. Through Qawiya, I want to celebrate that strength, to make it visible, and to use photography as a bridge that connects their stories to others.
My connection to this project is personal. In my country, football is the most democratic of sports, it offered our family a different life.
Yet as I grew older, one question remained: Where are the women in sports?
Through this project, I am finding an answer. These women exist.
This project continues to grow. I intend to photograph as many women as possible, to expand the conversation and ensure that their stories are seen and remembered.
