Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-27 08:28:04
The Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, delivered a powerful speech at the Vunani Annual Women Sports Awards in Gaborone, highlighting the challenges faced by female athletes in Botswana. Rakgare emphasized that despite their incredible talent and achievements, female athletes are often marginalized, receive less recognition, and are inadequately rewarded compared to their male counterparts.
Recognizing the importance of events like the Vunani Annual Women Sports Awards, Rakgare commended the dedication and skill of women in the sports industry. He stressed that celebrating their accomplishments through initiatives like these awards is not only appropriate but also essential in closing the gender gap in Botswana’s sports community.
Rakgare referenced a study conducted by Women and Sports Botswana (WASBO) in collaboration with the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) in 2017, which revealed low participation of women and girls in sports at all levels. A follow-up study in 2022 indicated that the involvement of girls and women in sports associations and leadership roles was still significantly low, highlighting the urgent need for efforts to address these disparities and achieve gender parity in sports.
The Minister praised the sponsors of the awards for their commitment to initiatives that promote gender equality in sports. The 2024 Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards recognized several outstanding women in the sports industry, including umpires, coaches, and athletes of the year, as well as volunteers, administrators, and journalists who have made significant contributions to the field.
Among the winners were Dorothy Okatch for Umpire of the Year, Nnaniso Magwaba for Coach of the Year, and The Mares for Team of the Year. Refilwe Tholakele was honored as Sportswoman of the Year, while Mmakgosi Lydia Tlhakanelo received the award for Sportswoman of the Year with Disability. Sethunya Buhle Majama was recognized as the Young Promising Female Athlete, and various journalists and photographers were also acknowledged for their contributions to sports media.
Additionally, awards such as the Courage Award, Champion for Equality Award, and CEO’s Special Awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity in sports.
The Vunani Annual Women Sports Awards serve as a platform to celebrate and honor the achievements of female athletes and professionals in the sports industry. Through events like these, the sports community in Botswana can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in sports, ensuring that their talent and accomplishments are recognized and celebrated on par with their male counterparts.
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