Media coverage for women’s sport remains an issue in South Africa as it pales in comparison to that of their male counterparts.
This is the view of some prominent women in sport.
In 2014 Brazil hosted the Fifa World Cup and this caught the attention of many in SA including the media.
There were special TV shows which aired specifically for the duration of the world cup.
Even though Bafana Bafana did not qualify for the World Cup, the nation was too caught up in the moments of celebration.
In fact, the last time the SA national football team qualified for a World Cup, not just by virtue of being hosts, was in 2002 in Korea and Japan.
In the same year Australia hosted the Netball World Cup which the SA national netball team – the Spar Proteas – actually qualified for. But very few know about this due to limitted media coverage.
East London Netball Zone executive member Faith Sijula draws interesting parallels between men’s and women’s sport coverage.
She highlighted the issue of sponsors or lack thereof which pose a hindrance in the progression of women’s sport.
Case in point women’s national teams perform and rank higher compared to their male counter parts.
To compare the rankings, SA national women’s soccer team Banyana Banyana, rank 52nd in the FIFA world ranking beating Bafana Bafana eight places who rank 60th.
The proteas currently rank 5th in INF rankings.
It is no secret that for a long time society decided that a women’s place is in the kitchen and to some extent the media propagated the stereotype that sport is a men’s thing – resulting in less coverage for women’s sport.
Sijula is convinced the media is failing women in sport and only recognises big name sportswomen like Caster Semenya or Serena Williams.
“It’s almost like you have to be one of the big name athletes to be recognised.
The media does not take the young and upcoming female athletes seriously and only focuses on selling their stories,” said Sijula.
“Sometimes we would invite some people from the media but only a few or none would show up.
Something really needs to be done here,” said Sijula.
Border Women’s rugby head Mandisa Williams concurred with the notion that women’s sport doesn’t get as much media attention and the amount of financial support given to women is still relatively small compared to that given to men.
“It’s like we are still in the dark ages. You would think in 2017 women and men would be regarded as the same but no. This is undermining to women in general because sponsors support what generates income to them,” said Williams.
“Do not take away glory from anyone because athletes work very hard’ said Williams. .
Williams also said it was unfair that Caster Semenya is not treated the same as Wayde van Niekerk.
“Boots, a well balanced diet and practice kit are necessities for all sports stars as well as the previously disadvantaged, and should receive sponsorship”, said Williams.
“But how do you get a sponsor if there is no one willing to take you seriously just because you are a woman”
Women in sport fall behind
This is the view of some prominent women in sport.
In 2014 Brazil hosted the Fifa World Cup and this caught the attention of many in SA including the media.
There were special TV shows which aired specifically for the duration of the world cup.
Even though Bafana Bafana did not qualify for the World Cup, the nation was too caught up in the moments of celebration.
In fact, the last time the SA national football team qualified for a World Cup, not just by virtue of being hosts, was in 2002 in Korea and Japan.
In the same year Australia hosted the Netball World Cup which the SA national netball team – the Spar Proteas – actually qualified for. But very few know about this due to limitted media coverage.
East London Netball Zone executive member Faith Sijula draws interesting parallels between men’s and women’s sport coverage.
She highlighted the issue of sponsors or lack thereof which pose a hindrance in the progression of women’s sport.
Case in point women’s national teams perform and rank higher compared to their male counter parts.
To compare the rankings, SA national women’s soccer team Banyana Banyana, rank 52nd in the FIFA world ranking beating Bafana Bafana eight places who rank 60th.
The proteas currently rank 5th in INF rankings.
It is no secret that for a long time society decided that a women’s place is in the kitchen and to some extent the media propagated the stereotype that sport is a men’s thing – resulting in less coverage for women’s sport.
Sijula is convinced the media is failing women in sport and only recognises big name sportswomen like Caster Semenya or Serena Williams.
“It’s almost like you have to be one of the big name athletes to be recognised.
The media does not take the young and upcoming female athletes seriously and only focuses on selling their stories,” said Sijula.
“Sometimes we would invite some people from the media but only a few or none would show up.
Something really needs to be done here,” said Sijula.
Border Women’s rugby head Mandisa Williams concurred with the notion that women’s sport doesn’t get as much media attention and the amount of financial support given to women is still relatively small compared to that given to men.
“It’s like we are still in the dark ages. You would think in 2017 women and men would be regarded as the same but no. This is undermining to women in general because sponsors support what generates income to them,” said Williams.
“Do not take away glory from anyone because athletes work very hard’ said Williams. .
Williams also said it was unfair that Caster Semenya is not treated the same as Wayde van Niekerk.
“Boots, a well balanced diet and practice kit are necessities for all sports stars as well as the previously disadvantaged, and should receive sponsorship”, said Williams.
“But how do you get a sponsor if there is no one willing to take you seriously just because you are a woman”
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