Ramla Ali’s Journey from Refugee to Olympic Trailblazer and Activist
Somali-born boxer Ramla Ali, who made history as the first to represent Somalia at the Olympics, has left an indelible mark both in and out of the ring. Born in Somalia, Ali fled the civil war with her family and discovered boxing as a teenager in London, using it to build confidence and overcome bullying.
Ali's boxing journey began in London, where she honed her skills and eventually won England's national and Great British titles, as well as the 2019 African Zone Featherweight Crown as an amateur. Her prowess in the ring led her to make history in 2020 when she became the first boxer to represent Somalia at the Olympics.
Off the canvas, Ali is equally impactful. She returned to Kenya with UNICEF and the Danish Refugee Council, visiting Dadaab refugee camp where she met girls, mothers, and teachers striving to build better futures despite dwindling aid. Ali serves as a UNICEF ambassador, supporting programs for children's education and gender equality since 2018.
Back in London, Ali founded the Ramla Ali Sisters Club, offering free boxing and fitness sessions for women who might otherwise be excluded from sport. The club now operates in cities including London, Nairobi, and Mogadishu, empowering women through physical activity and community building.
Ramla Ali's story is one of resilience, triumph, and giving back. From fleeing Somalia to winning titles in the ring, and now empowering women through sport and advocating for children's education, Ali continues to prove that true strength lies not just in personal victories, but in uplifting others along the way.
