Farah is a small province with a large history. Alexander the Great constructed a Citadel in the 4th Century; Ghengis Khan passed through in the 13th Century. But perhaps equally as notable is the fact that, as Afghan women struggle for their rights in the 21st Century, this small province of 100,000 is home to a female karate instructor—32-year-old Shahala Frotan. The mother of four, Shahala is the only female karate instructor in Farah and perhaps all of Afghanistan.

Shahla was trained by her husband Mohammad Dawood Froton, 37, founder of the Mahin Karate Club, Farah’s first karate club. Shahla now teaches karate with her husband. But she acknowledges what she does is not widely accepted.

“I know that karate for women is not acceptable to many members of the community. However, these beliefs stem from lack of education and a tradition mired in prejudice,” she said. “Women are part of the community and must participate in all segments of society.” Shahla challenges the status quo by teaching a few female students in the home she shares with her husband.

Her husband agrees that teaching karate to women in Afghanistan is a challenge. “Most men in Farah do not want their wives to work or to learn a sport such as karate,” he said. “But in my view, sports are very important in our lives. This is true for men and women both. That is why I trained Shahla.” Mohammad notes that being involved in sports helps fight “problems with our youth who were not working, were addicted to drugs and in general were not living healthy lives.”

Mohammed adds that his club has about 1,000 male students, and “I hope that one day we will have as many female students who will also compete.”

Shahla and Mohammed recently attended the 2009 International Karate Seminar in Tehran, Iran. The 15-day-long seminar gave Shahla the chance to practice her skills, attend workshops and practice alongside other female instructors.

Mohammed trained in Iran and then returned home to Afghanistan. He believes that attending international seminars not only improves his skills but also enhances relationship between countries. When the Frotans attend seminars, they are ambassadors for Afghanistan, he said.

Out of the thirty-four provinces in Afghanistan, only two—Herat and Farah—had karate students or instructors who attended the seminar.  Six of the students were from the Herat Karate club. The other four attendees included the Frotans and two of their students.

By Seeta