In 2016, I had the opportunity to go to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and care for athletes from all around the world that were competing in the summer Olympics.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime! I was stationed at events that had the highest risk for athlete injuries, based on my clinical experience in the United States.

While I enjoyed my time there and have made lifelong friends, what I didn’t share was how my bag was stolen, and I was assaulted. Nothing like learning how the courts work in a foreign country! However, that is a story for another day.

I share this post to highlight the challenges, discrimination, and blatantly disregard to the safety of athletes, volunteers, and spectators.

As a Palestinian Muslim woman, it is my choice to cover my head, and I am deeply concerned over the lack of public outcry, as athletes who choose to wear the hijab, are being banned from competing.

This year’s Olympics boast the first “gender equal games.” How can that be the case, when women who wear the hijab, are not allowed to compete? This is a clear example of inequality.

This blatant discrimination highlights the ongoing challenges that women continue to face in the 21st century.

So, here’s to all the international women competing in the Olympics. To the hijabs that are banned from competing, you are already winners.

I stand in solidarity with those that continue to face religious persecution throughout the world, by not watching the Olympics this year.

I implore you all to think of the impact you can make by using your voice to passionately advocate for what’s right.