Pictures: Iraqi women boxers aim sucker punch at gender taboos

Bushra al-Hajjar, a 35-year-old Iraqi boxing instructor, is pictured during a training session at the Islamic University in Najaf.

In Iraq's city of Najaf, the sight of a women's boxing hall is unusual, but, like others here, the 35-year-old boxing instructor Bushra al-Hajjar is fighting deeply-ingrained taboos.

During a training session with boxing coach professor Hassan Khalil at the Islamic University in Najaf.

At home, I have a full training room, with mats and a punching bag," said the mother of two, who also practises karate. Above, Bushra al-Hajjar with her mother and son at their home in Najaf.

Hajjar won gold in the 70-kilogram class at a boxing tournament in Baghdad in December.

Boxing student Ola Mustafa, 16, taking a break from her punching bag, said: "We live in a macho society that opposes success for women."

"My family and friends are very supportive, they're very happy with the level I've reached," she said.

Twice a week, she trains at a private university in Najaf, 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, where she also teaches sports.

In overwhelmingly conservative Iraq, and particularly in Najaf, Hajjar acknowledges her adventure has raised eyebrows. "We've come across many difficulties," she said. "We're a conservative society that has difficulty accepting these kinds of things." She recalls the protests when training facilities first opened for women, but said "today, there are many halls".

Iraqi boxing federation president Ali Taklif acknowledges that Iraqi women engaging in the sport is a "recent phenomenon", but says it is gaining ground. "There is a lot of demand from females wanting to join," he said, adding that Iraq now has some 20 women's boxing clubs.

More than 100 women boxers have competed in a December tournament, in all categories, he added. But "like other sports (in Iraq), the discipline suffers from a lack of infrastructure, training facilities and equipment". Above, Bushra walks with her family at Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq.