The bold pep-talk I didn’t know I needed

This was a big year for women in sports. 2023 was declared globally as the Year of Women in Sports – and it resulted in a lot of attention on the women who go out onto the field and give their best despite not getting as much investment as the men. As the custodian of a brand that champions women in sports, I admit I was a bit worried. Often these declarations can be nothing more than talk shops or PR driven stunts – where after the year is done, we forget about this crucial subject.

But to my delight – the conversation has continued. To the point where the 2024 Paris Olympics reported gender parity for the first time ever. The Paralympics are inspiring in their own way, are not quite there yet at 42%, the same amount as in Tokyo according to the International Paralympic Committee.

What it signalled to me very strongly was the need to continue having conversations about the challenges women face, in sport and elsewhere, because it ignites action – it is the spark that can spur transformation.?

I was attracted to Momentum because of an impactful conversation I came across while scrolling on my social media feed in 2019, listless and contemplative – I was at a crossroads in my career actively looking for a new challenge. I had never considered financial services because coming from the fast-paced world of FMCG – I feared I might get bored. I watched a conversation take place on Instagram between my (now boss) Group CMO of Momentum Group Nontokozo Madonsela and entrepreneur Farrah Fortune. Something in the way they encouraged women to be daring and bold and make no apologies for their success fascinated me and stirred something inside of me. I was so inspired that I applied for a position at Momentum Corporate. I got it – and the rest as they say is history.

But like an athlete needs a coach – I can attest that a brand was that for me. It was the honest, vulnerable pep talk I didn’t know I needed, and I acted. I did it afraid. As a leader, you are always encouraged to pay it forward and being in a position where I have the privilege to do that for somebody else is always a blessing.?

Leading the team developing this year's She Owns Her Success campaign and crafting those very conversations that played such a pivotal role in my life was very special. And just like how bringing issues to light with women’s sports caused people to stand up and take notice – and decide to help is what inspires me. There are some conversations that we as women need to continue having until we get it – and until our daughters get it and that is what #SheOwnsHerSuccess is for me.

Society can be so hard on women and unfairly scrutinize us – and we need a place where we let go and celebrate our success and have a safe space where we can help each other though challenges and not be afraid to say what we want and go for it.

Like the women in sports who never stop playing, we also never stop showing up and we learn how to be better and how to play a game that can feel rigged and still do it in a way that ensures we are successful, and our families are successful.

As a brand – this is really what we strive for. We want to drive impactful conversations and create a movement that others can be a part of. We hosted our second Women Who Make Moves in Sports Summit to resounding success – and I see that we have inspired other brands to get involved in the conversation and show up in their own way to support the cause. This makes me proud, and I pray to keep going because the more support there is the better for the future of women’s sports in our country. ??

One thing I’ve learned from Momentum over the years and its commitment to women is that success is not a myth, it is not out of reach and most importantly it is a journey and if you own it, you can design it the way you want. Like any good athlete will tell you, until the final whistle blows – you are still in the game, so act like it.

I encourage you to watch the 6th annual Momentum GSPORT Awards this evening where we will be celebrating true game changers, recognising and uplifting women in sport. SABC Sport will go live from the Red Carpet at 18:30 ahead of the live broadcast of the awards show at 19:00 and a repeat broadcast on SABC2 at 21:30.

Momentum GSPORT4GIRLS Nontokozo Madonsela

#shewonshersuccess #gsport19