CGE Congratulates Mamelodi Sundowns Women’s Team on Winning the Inaugural CAF Champions League Trophy
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) would like to congratulate the Mamelodi Sundowns Women's Team on winning Africa's inaugural women's CAF Champions League Trophy in Cairo last night. Commission Chairperson Ms. Tamara Mathebula has welcomed the development of women's professional football competitions in South Africa and called for more to be done to lift women's football to the level of men's professional leagues. "The growth of women's football in South Africa marks a big shift from the traditional suppression of women in the world of sport and athletics.
The victory of a South African women's team on the continental stage will go a long way in closing the gaps of inequality between men and women, that have existed for centuries in sport activities" Mathebula said. Ms. Mathebula also added that as per the recommendations of the Commission’s report on Gender Transformation in the South African Football more resources must be given to the South African Women Football Association as the results are there for everyone to see. This great victory will only serve as a motivation for other teams and the Banyana Banyana to do well if resources are channeled their way.
The CGE Chairperson further called for the business sector to get involved in women's football through monetary sponsorships as they do for men's football, "We need female athletes in football and other sporting codes, to be remunerated equally with their male counterparts to show that their participation and contribution in sport and athletics is valued the same as men's contribution"
The Commission is encouraged by the Sundowns Women's Team achievement and believes this will motivate young girls to dream and compete. "Sport in general has traditionally been seen as belonging to men, with women only appearing in roles of cheerleaders, we should join hands to change the masculine face of sport in pursuit of gender equality," Mathebula said. The Commission is also delighted by the growth of women's rugby and cricket in the country, and commends sport federations on their efforts and contribution in building an equal society.
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