07 August 2023 – Sonke Gender Justice applauds South African Women sports teams for exceptional performances respectively, in various tournaments. Although Banyana Banyana’s journey on the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament ended after their loss to the Netherlands, the team made history last week when they became the first ever South African national football team to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup, in both women and men formats.
Similarly, earlier this year, Proteas women also became the first senior South African team to make an International Cricket Council World Cup final. Despite missing out on qualifying for the semi-finals at the current Netball World Cup, the Spar Proteas have equally given an outstanding performance during the championships.
‘’ These stellar performances by women sports teams are a morale booster for the nation, amid the many challenges the country is facing. It’s time to recognize the massive contribution by women’s sports to social cohesion and this acknowledgement must include more investment in women’s sports development and equal pay for women in sport as it is for men. This is only fair and just.” Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice and Co-Chairperson of Global MenEngage Alliance.
Issued by Sonke Gender Justice.
For media enquiries contact:
Kgomotso Mophulane, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, Sonke Gender Justice on kgomotso@genderjustice.org.za or 0835196187.
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance: bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 5784479.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/
