Mauritanian Photographer Khadi Sy Breaks ⁤Barriers at AFCON

NOUAKCHOTT,⁢ Mauritania (AP) ⁤— Khadi Sy,‍ a 24-year-old Mauritanian photographer, stood out at ‍the‍ Super D1 championship matches in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou as the onyl woman regularly covering the games. Her dedication and talent earned her a⁤ spot as one of five African photographers selected by the African ⁣Football Confederation (CAF) to ​cover the ‌African Cup of Nations in Côte d’ivoire in January 2024.

Sy balances her passion for​ sports and photography with the responsibilities⁣ of a young, single woman. “I am a ⁢woman with several hats,sporty and a ⁢photographer,” Sy said. “I started with football,then I played ⁣basketball. But at the same time, I ⁤caught the camera virus. I am ⁣sporty at heart. I am a hiker and ‍love sports.⁢ These‌ two ‌professions are linked. I​ love them deeply.”

However,​ Sy has faced challenges in a field ​often perceived as male-dominated. ‍Some‍ believe that photography and ⁢sports are exclusively for men, suggesting a woman’s place is in the kitchen. “I ​say the opposite,” Sy countered. ​”A woman’s place is in⁢ all ⁣these practices, and she ⁣must ⁣be able to reconcile them for ⁣a fully fulfilled life.”

Mariam Talla Kane, ‍vice-president of the Olympic ‌and ⁤Sports commitee of⁤ Mauritania,‍ expressed pride in Sy’s ⁣unique path. “Khadi is a ⁣very committed woman,” Kane said. “I first knew her as a basketball player on the national female team in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. She​ loves ​her ⁢job ⁤and gives‌ herself⁣ thoroughly⁣ to succeed in raising all the‍ challenges that present themselves to⁢ her.I encourage‍ her to provide even‌ more ⁢effort​ to move forward in the exercise of this job, formerly reserved for men.”

Selim‍ Dah, football Federation Manager,⁢ Women’s⁣ Section, echoed this sentiment. “It is very hard work to run the grounds with men,⁢ to take photos during championship matches and international meetings,” Dah said.”She does a great job as a cameraman and​ photographer.”

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