As Pan African Women’s Day takes centre stage today, there is more to celebrate than ever before, with the exhilarating news that Nigeria advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Barbara Banda from Zambia scoring the 1,000th goal in the history of the Women’s World Cup, feats which have brought women’s football in Africa under the global spotlight.
All eyes on Banyana Banyana as they prepare to face Italy on 2 August looking to advance to a historic place in the next round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
At the same time, Cape Town is playing host to Africa’s first-ever Netball World Cup, putting women’s sport on the continent on the map in The Year of Women’s Sport.
Just recently, South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane won her first-ever Grand Slam when she emerged victorious in the French Open wheelchair doubles final.
And let’s not forget the ProteasWomen making history in February by becoming the first-ever men’s or women’s senior cricket team from South Africa to make a World Cup final.
Behind these triumphant moments lie a relentless effort by gsport to champion women in sport and close the visibility gap across the continent.
Since April 2021, gsport has been on a mission to rewrite the narrative of African women in sport. Recognising that not enough was being done to elevate their profiles, gsport embarked on an ambitious journey, laying the foundation for a more equitable sports landscape.
The key to their success lies in the launch of the #gsportAfrica chapter in 2020. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to close the gap between Africa and the rest of the world when it comes to women’s sports coverage. A powerful force was unleashed, transforming how the continent perceives and embraces women athletes.
Central to gsport’s strategy was hiring the first-ever Africa correspondent and integrating compelling storytelling to highlight the achievements and challenges faced by African women in sport. These bold steps have been instrumental in capturing the hearts of sports enthusiasts worldwide and breaking down barriers that once stood in the way of recognition.
Last May marked a pivotal moment as gsport hosted its first-ever #gsportAfrica online gathering. Distinguished women in sport across Africa converged to share their experiences on overcoming obstacles and closing the visibility gap. Their powerful voices united in a call for better support, sparking a movement of empowerment that continues to resonate.
Among the crown jewels of gsport’s endeavours is the African Woman in Sport award category, introduced in 2020. This prestigious accolade recognised incredible women who have left an indelible mark on the sports scene. Supported by Imperial Logistics (now DP World) since 2021, this award is a testament to the growing significance of women’s sport in Africa.
The roster of award winners boasts awe-inspiring names like Usher Komugisha, the Ugandan multi-media journalist whose work reverberates around the globe. Juliet Bawuah from Ghana and South Africa’s own jet-setting referee, Akhona Makalima, joined the esteemed list, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.
These remarkable women are not just champions on the field but role models who inspire the next generation of African girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly. The Momentum gsport Awards, complemented by the DP World African Woman in Sport award, serve as a launching pad for success and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes.
On this Africa’s Women’s Day, gsport redoubles its commitment to making a profound impact and eradicating the visibility gap between Africa and the world. Join this exhilarating journey by nominating a deserving candidate for the DP World African Woman in Sport award at gsport.co.za/awards. Nominations for the Momentum gsport Awards are open until 9 August 2023.
Step into the captivating world of African women shattering barriers on the global stage by visiting gsport.co.za and following @gsport4girls on social media.
Photo caption: Supporters sing and dance next to the main court, at the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town. Photo: (c) Shaun Roy
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