President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that it is only through greater sponsorship and support that women’s sport will be able to grow and attract larger audiences.

Ramaposa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that increased participation of women and girls in sport supports women’s empowerment and advances gender equality.

South Africa recently held the Netball World Cup, where South Africa finished sixth. The FIFA Women’s World Cup, meanwhile, South Africa bow out in the Round of 16 on Sunday, after a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands.

On Wednesday, the country will celebrate National Women's Day to mark the anniversary of the great women's march of 1956, where women marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the carrying of pass books.

Ramaphosa explained that male-dominated team sports, such as football, cricket and rugby, still receive the lion’s share of funding and sponsorship, and have established professional leagues, whereas women’s football, cricket and rugby do not.

He said this contributes to the huge disparity between the remuneration of female athletes and their male counterparts.

“Equal pay for work of equal value is one of the most fundamental tenets of gender equality. The sporting fraternity is neither exceptional nor is it exempt. That female athletes should still earn less than their male counterparts is an affront to our nation’s sportswomen, more so at a time when the achievements of some of our women’s sports teams surpass those of our men’s teams,” he added.

Ramaphosa noted that sponsors and sporting bodies should direct greater resources to women’s sports.

“It is only through greater sponsorship and support that women’s sport will be able to grow and attract larger audiences. As they attract a greater following, women’s sports events will provide greater value to sponsors,” he said.

Ramaphosa explained that participation in sport provides numerous benefits and positive effects.

“Engaging in sports helps maintain a healthy lifestyle, improving overall physical fitness, building strength, perseverance, endurance and flexibility. Regular physical activity through sports can also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Sports can also impart critical life skills like discipline. These skills also include leadership, time management, goal setting and problem-solving,” he said.

He added that competing in sports fosters a sense of empowerment among women, helping them build confidence in their abilities and breaking gender stereotypes.

He noted that, through sports, women can challenge societal norms, experiencing personal growth and achievement.

“All of these can enable women and girls to be more assertive and confident in society, and can support the fight against discrimination and gender-based violence,” he said.

SPORTS WOMEN'S SUCCESSES

Ramaphosa said the country’s female athletes have reached new heights across a number of sporting codes, and have hosted several women’s international sports tournaments.
 
“As a nation we are exhilarated by the successes of our sportswomen on the field, track and pitch. Our women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, has delivered some stunning performances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand. Our women’s netball team, the Proteas, put in a strong showing at the Netball World Cup that ended in Cape Town yesterday,” he added.
 
In February, South Africa hosted the first International Cricket Council Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup to take place on African soil. The country’s national team made history as the first South African team to reach the final.

Ramaphosa explained that the success of the major women’s sports tournaments that have been hosted in South Africa will no doubt bolster the county’s bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.

“Our nation’s sportswomen have proven themselves, time and again. It is up to us, as a society, to provide the necessary environment that will enable a new generation of women and girls to thrive and excel in sport,” he said.