Unorthodox Group Women in Sports Symposium discusses challenges faced by women, calls for community to unite and help raise funds for South Africa’s Women’s Hockey team

The Women in Sports Symposium brought together industry experts, athletes, and sports enthusiasts to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in sports in South Africa. Hosted by the Unorthodox Group on Thursday, 18 April 2024 in Sandton, the event was aimed at inspiring underrepresented women to make broad changes in their respective fields of sports and to encourage unity and support for female athletes.

One of the highlights of the event was a crowdfunding initiative for the Women’s Hockey Team aimed at assisting the team reach the Paris Olympics in July 2024.

The event was hosted by SABC radio personality, Reitumetse Nkgapele and featured panels facilitated by sports personality, Portia Moemedi, who shared valuable insights on changing the narrative in sports.

Discovery Vitality’s Head of Wellness, Dr Mosima Mabunda opened the gathering by noting that there was a profound movement towards sports equity globally. Olympic gold medalist, Tatjana Schoenmaker, as well as Discovery Vitality’s Head Biokineticist, Mari Leach, also participated in panels.

Schoenmaker, who is a Discovery Vitality ambassador, noted the importance of building community in sports, highlighting her own experiences in the industry while Leach commented that there was a need to change the narrative of sports – that it should be categorised as a wide range of physical activity that aims to help not only athletes, but everyone, to live healthy and balanced lives.

The symposium also covered the importance of skills development, education, and strategic partnerships in enhancing sports management and securing brand sponsorships. Nandi Buthelezi, Sponsorship Coordinator at Puma gave insights on how athletes and their teams could build visible portfolios that would result in them securing sponsorships from big brands.    

Mimi Bulelwa Tau shared her journey to becoming a member of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) Board and why it was crucial to acquire skills that are targeted at enhancing access to sports education, technology, and skills development.

Finally, broadcaster, Mpho Maboi closed off the event by advising women to participate in mentorship programmes proactively in their pursuit of reaching the top. Maboi added that sports managers should also engage with brands about how financial support for women teams could be increased so that they are able to represent the country. Please Click Here for the Women’s Hockey Team crowdfunding.