As we launch the milestone #gsport20 campaign, we pause to reflect on a powerful tradition that has become the heartbeat of women’s sport in South Africa: 10 years of gsport Networking.
This year, our journey takes on new depth with the announcement of The Year of Women Empowerment, a season-long campaign that reinforces our commitment to ensuring women in sport are not only seen and celebrated, but also gain meaningful career and commercial value from their contributions.
At the centre of this year’s campaign is our bold new theme:
#IRecogniseHer
Launched as an extension of our 2019 movement, #PowerOfRecognition, this new theme builds on that foundation and takes it further. #IRecogniseHer is a declaration. A movement. A call to action for every one of us to step forward and honour the women who are shaping our industry, and to continue unlocking opportunities for those who deserve the spotlight.
In 2015, gsport reached a significant turning point when the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture endorsed the gsport Awards as South Africa’s official platform for recognising women in sport. That endorsement gave us not just credibility, but the motivation to expand, to connect, and to dig deeper.
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What followed was a decade of deliberate, relationship-driven growth, where gsport Networking emerged as a vital space for women in sport to gather, reflect, connect, and collaborate.
But this didn’t happen overnight.
In the beginning, it was unfamiliar. Many of us only met while working – at matches, behind cameras, on press benches, or in corridors of stadiums. Socialising in sport was rare, especially among women. We had to learn how to be in each other’s presence outside of our roles, how to share, support, and show up.
From Yudhika & Co in Fourways, to Big Mouth in Sandton, La Parada in Cape Town, and now the elegant Liberté in Craighall Park, these events have become the most anticipated meet-ups in the women’s sport space. Always small. Always intimate. Always impactful.
On Saturday, 31 May, we hosted the inaugural #gsport20 Gratitude Lunch at Liberté, just ahead of nominations opening for the 20th gsport Awards. This moment wasn’t just celebratory, it was symbolic.
The word Liberté means freedom, and that was exactly what we gathered to honour:
The freedom to reflect
The freedom to try new things
The freedom to build legacy while stepping boldly into the future
We brought together a group of extraordinary women who have walked this road with gsport, and it felt like a full-circle moment. This was not just about recognition, it was about community, leadership, and intention.
And it was the first of many: We will continue hosting Gratitude Lunches every month in the lead-up to our historic 20th birthday next year.
Over the years, gsport has been powered by women, empowered by women, and elevated by women-led brands who saw the vision and helped us scale it.
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A turning point came in 2021 with our academic partnership with Henley Business School Africa, which helped us grow our thinking through action learning – trying new ideas, failing fast, learning continuously, and staying aligned with our purpose.
One of the key outputs of our #gsportHenley Commercial Stairway has been to gather intentionally, not just to connect, but to collaborate, and to build commercially sustainable pathways for women in sport.
This strategy has taken shape through platforms like the gsport Business Breakfast, launched in 2022, and our continued, carefully curated networking sessions that spark opportunities, surface solutions, and shape the future of the game.
As we enter this landmark 20th year, #IRecogniseHer becomes our rallying cry, rooted in the belief that recognition is the foundation of empowerment.
This theme isn’t just about awards. It’s about intentional, ongoing recognition – in boardrooms, on social media, at community level, and on national platforms. It’s about saying:
I see her. I value her. I support her. I recognise her.
Whether it’s the athlete making headlines, the administrator shifting policy, the journalist telling untold stories, or the brand breaking boundaries — #IRecogniseHer is how we move forward together.
Know a woman-empowered brand or company making a difference in sport or beyond?
We’re growing the gsport community, and we want to include the game-changers you know.
Drop their name and help us build a stronger, more connected network.
And don’t forget: Nominations for the 20th gsport Awards are OPEN!
Now is the time to step forward and shine a light on the icons and trailblazers shaping women’s sport in South Africa.
Because when we say #IRecogniseHer, we build legacy.
Main Photo Caption: As we launch the milestone #gsport20 campaign, we pause to reflect on a powerful tradition that has become the heartbeat of women’s sport in South Africa: 10 years of gsport Networking. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Launched as an extension of our 2019 movement, #PowerOfRecognition, the new #IRecogniseHer theme builds on that foundation.
Photo 3 Caption: Big Mouth in Sandton, La Parada in Cape Town, and now the elegant Liberté in Craighall Park, in 10 years of gsport Networking.
Photo 4 Caption: A turning point came with our academic partnership with Henley Business School Africa, helping us grow through action learning.
Photo 5 Caption: The athlete making headlines, the administrator shifting policy, the journalist telling stories, #IRecogniseHer is how we move forward.
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