We’re proud to have been invited to discuss corrective rape in South Africa on Al Jazeera Live and The Stream. With comments like, “The way you dress […] causes the rape, those short skirts are not right”, it is clear that we still have a long way to go.
Thanks for inviting us to be a part of this important discussion.
Grace, poise and elegance are just some of the qualities all of the female role models we look up to possess and using passion and influence for the advancement of women is something we aspire to achieve. Mrs. Obama not only embodies these amazing role model qualities but also uses her influential position in The White House to help women around the world. This past June she toured South Africa with her two daughters and her mother, speaking to young women about the role they play in leadership on the African continent.
With a packed schedule we were not able to meet her but her inspiring words gave our girls the idea to present her with a gift, they wrote letters and read messages of appreciation to the first family. We posted these messages on our Youtube channel (check out our videos!) and brought the package of letters and DVD to Mrs. Obama’s team. We were happy to see our girls reach out to a role model they admired for her substance and inspiring attitude.
As a thank you, Michelle Obama wrote us back, sharing with us how grateful she is for the hard work done by youth for development in South Africa. Imagine our surprise to receive a hand delivered letter from the White House!
Founder Jos Dirkx and co-founder Sonia Bianchi are currently on a Girls & Football SA trip speaking with groups across the East Coast of the US. During their stop in Washington DC they took a minute to drop by and see the White House and pose for a picture with the organizations new prized possession!
In response to the letter, it’s a pleasure, Mrs. Obama, and we’re honored to have been in touch!
This past week it has been a true pleasure to be a girl-oriented initiative in South Africa. Not only are we being met with enthusiasm and support when talking about girls development to individuals, organisations and businesses alike, but all of South Africa seems to be looking a little closer at gender issues these days. This because the country – in addition to recognising the International Women’s Day of 8th March – celebrates its very own National Women’s Day on 9th August. Since 1994 Women’s Day has been a public holiday, but the roots of the celebration are found in 1956, when 20 000 women marched on Pretoria to petition against a further strengthening of the pass laws.
The march was regarded as an expression of courage and determination of the country’s women, which represented all races and layers of society, and had delegates from as far away as Cape Town and Port Elisabeth. Current prime minister J. G. Strijdom refused to meet with the women, but was delivered 100 000 signatures that the Federation of South African Women had collected in protest to the further restriction on people’s movement planned by the apartheid government. On the South African government’s web pages today it is noted how this “was a turning point in the role of women in the struggle for freedom and society at large. Since that eventful day, women from all walks of life became equal partners in the struggle for a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.” FSAW continued to work closely with the ANC, and showed continuously how “the stereotype of women as politically inept and immature, tied to the home, was outdated and inaccurate.”
These days, the South African government has declared that the entire month of August is to be considered Women’s Month, and the African Union has further declared 2010-2020 to be African Women’s Decade. This focus is commendable, and South Africa’s progressive constitution, gender equal policies and strong commitment to the UN’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) indicates that things are moving in the right direction. However, most women in South Africa still experience on a daily basis the gender discrimination engrained in society. Despite advances made in political life, women are still often under-represented in the economy, and young girls are a high-risk group as victims of crime, rape and HIV-infection.
For these reasons, National Women’s Day serves as a much needed pause for reflection over where South Africa is today, and where it wants to be in terms of gender equality. Speeches and marches are held, but also more informal events to celebrate female strength and passion. We wish all in South Africa and the rest of the world a happy women’s day!
Girls & Football SA extends a warm welcome to Mrs. Obama, her mother and her two daughters Sasha and Malia. Her focus on youth, leadership, health and education during the trip to South Africa speaks to our main mandate of empowering girls and women through sport. Visiting South Africa with this message is an incredible inspiration for the whole country, but especially for the girls and women inspired by her words and example.
Mrs. Obama is a terrific role model and our girls are honored to have written her letters!
It’s here!
We are super excited to announce the premiere of “Can I Kick It?”, which tells the untold story of women’s football in South Africa.
The players discuss the challenges they face, the importance of taking part in a male dominated sport, and how football is a tool for girls’ development.
The program will be aired on Cape town Television this Thursday at 21:00 and re aired on Saturday at 17:00. Information on additional broadcast and distribution will be announced shortly. We will also send through information on how and where to purchase the documentary.
We are having our first viewing in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which will be taking place in the next two weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the exact time and location, we’re working on securing a fabulous venue!
Can’t wait to have you join us for the viewing and thank you so much for all your support!!
As a result of the apartheid regime, South Africa was isolated from international football for three decades. Regardless, football maintained its popularity.
Not just through the physical aspects of the sport, but also through the administrative side; football became a key manner in which to practice leadership and entrepreneurial skills, in addition to political activity and resistance.
Read more at our Supersport blog…
