Pushing for Professionalisation and Equity in South African Women’s Sport
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. Every year, it reminds us why we fight for progress, especially for women in sport. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, challenges us to push for meaningful change where systemic barriers continue to hold women back.
We know the story all too well, the challenges women face in sport are persistent and frustrating. Despite their competitiveness, determination, and skill, female athletes in South Africa are still short-changed. For decades, they have excelled on the field, court, and track with significantly less support, funding, and visibility than their male counterparts.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, professionalising women’s sport must be at the top of the agenda, if we are to heed the call to #AccelerateAction to advance the women’s game.
We have seen what investment can do for women’s sport, and Cricket South Africa has set the standard. The strides made in women’s cricket prove that full investment yields results. CSA has taken significant steps to professionalize the game, leading to remarkable performances by both the U19 and senior women’s teams on the global stage.
One of the biggest milestones came in August 2023 with the establishment of a Professional Domestic League, which includes the CSA Women’s One-Day Cup and the CSA Women’s T20 Challenge. This initiative elevated six teams to professional status, providing 11 contracted players per team with full-time coaching and support staff.
A player who has directly benefited from this initiative is Ashleigh van Wyk, an all-rounder who was part of the squad that reached the ICC U19 T20 World Cup final this year.
“As a little girl growing up, the dream was always to wear the badge on my chest, representing my country with my family’s surname on my back. This World Cup was a really proud moment for me. Being in the space of a high-performance player and gaining experience was a massive opportunity that I’ll always be grateful for.”
U19 T20 World Cup Cricketer, Ashleigh van Wyk
But van Wyk’s ambitions extend beyond personal success she hopes to pave the way for future generations.
“I want to be a good ambassador for the sport and inspire young girls to pick up a ball and bat. I want to show them that cricket isn’t just a male-dominated sport. Women’s sport deserves the same support as men’s, and I’m excited to see the new leagues coming up. Sport has grown so much that women can now make a living doing what they love,” said Van Wyk.
While CSA has made huge strides, other sports have fallen behind, none more so than women’s football. South African football fans are still waiting for the South African Football Association (SAFA) to officially announce the long-awaited professionalisation of the Hollywoodbets Super League.
Instead of progress, the league has taken steps backward, with teams yet to play in the new season due to payment disputes and alleged outstanding funds.
Many players still have to juggle full-time jobs while training and playing professionally. Janine van Wyk, head coach of JVW FC, highlights the everyday struggles, saying that on some days they can barely train because of weather conditions that delay players traveling to practice. Some of them arrive late, or not at all.
The gap between men’s and women’s football remains vast, and until SAFA accelerates action, the country’s top female players will continue to struggle.
If men’s boxing is in crisis due to administrative failures, imagine the state of women’s boxing. Opportunities for female fighters are scarce, and many are forced to either find their own way or quit the sport entirely.
Smangele “Smash” Hadebe has fought against all odds to make a name for herself. With the support of her team, she has secured fights and continues to rise through the ranks. The current South African Female Flyweight Champion and ABU Flyweight Champion, who is ranked fourth in the world, remains undeterred by the challenges she faces.
“On April 4, 2025, I’ll be fighting for the WBC Silver Title in Mexico against Gabriela ‘Bonita’ Sanchez.”
Beyond boxing, Hadebe uses her platform to advocate for women and children affected by abuse, a cause deeply personal to her.
“Boxing has given me the platform to raise awareness for women and children who are abused.”
South African Female Flyweight Champion, Smangele “Smash” Hadebe
One of the biggest hurdles in women’s sport is visibility. Sponsorship and media coverage often depend on audience engagement, but without exposure, women’s sports struggle to attract commercial backing.
Prudence Sekgodiso, a rising star in South African athletics, highlights this frustrating cycle:“People say there’s no interest in women’s sport, but how can there be if our games aren’t televised, and our stories aren’t told?”
This is where brands, broadcasters, and governing bodies must step up. Investing in better coverage, securing prime-time slots, and marketing women’s leagues just as they do men’s will change the game. The global rise of women’s football and rugby, driven by increased visibility, proves that demand already exists. Now, it’s up to decision-makers to meet it.
Athletes continue to go beyond the call of duty, uplifting others while chasing their own dreams. Fabienne Lanz, a motor racing driver, coach, and mentor, is passionate about transformation in motorsport.
“I’m coaching three women from different backgrounds who are starting their endurance racing careers. It’s amazing to see this transformation through motorsport, and what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day?”
Motor Racing Driver, Coach, and Mentor, Fabienne Lanz
Accelerating action in women’s sport isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a smart investment. Global brands are waking up to the commercial potential of women’s leagues, with research showing that fans of women’s sport are highly engaged, socially conscious, and loyal to brands that support gender equality.
In South Africa, companies that align with women’s sport can tap into new audiences while contributing to real social change. Investing in female athletes and leagues doesn’t just grow the game, it strengthens communities, inspires future generations, and puts brands on the right side of history.
We stand at a pivotal moment for women’s sport in South Africa. Momentum is building, but progress cannot be left to chance. We need policies that mandate equal pay structures, corporate sponsors who back women’s teams as they do men’s, and media outlets that commit to equal coverage.
International Women’s Day reminds us that change happens when action is taken. If we truly want to see women’s sport thrive, we must Accelerate Action, now.
Crédito: Link de origem