CAIRO, Sept. 22 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt's female powerlifters scooped up five out of 12 medals won at this year's Paralympics held in Rio de Janeiro.

With one gold, two silver and two bronze medals, the Egyptian powerlifters are making strides in breaking the social stigma associated with female athletes.

The National Council for Women issued a statement on Tuesday, lauding the powerlifters' achievements, saying it  reaffirms Egyptian women's capability to compete and overcome challenges.

The NCW also said that the powerlifters excelled in sports that were long believed to be exclusive to men, thus helping in breaking the stereotype.

Get to know Egypt's female powerlifters.