The Impact of Women's Races on South Africa's Athletics Culture

Image: World Athletics

Women's athletics in South Africa is a vibrant and dynamic aspect of the nation's sports culture. However, it often remains overshadowed by its male counterparts. As the country strives for gender equality across various sectors, the field of athletics presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and elevate women's contributions to the sport. This story explores the significance of women's races in South Africa, showcasing the athletes, events, and cultural impacts that shape this vital aspect of the athletics community.

Historical Context of Women in South African Athletics

When athletics began in South Africa, women faced significant challenges in establishing their presence in the sport. Women’s races were not officially recognized until the mid-20th century, marking the start of a long journey filled with resistance and inequality.

Trailblazers like Zola Budd, who competed in the 1980s, laid the groundwork for future generations. During her career, she competed fiercely in both local and international events, gradually gaining recognition for her dedication and determination. Over time, more female athletes gained visibility, breaking barriers and reshaping societal attitudes toward women in sports.

Celebrating Female Athletes: Role Models and Trailblazers

Today, South Africa is home to many remarkable female athletes who inspire young sportswomen. Athletes like Caster Semenya, Gerda Steyn, Cian OldKnow, Poppy Mlambo, Lebo Phalula and her sister twin, Glenrose Xaba and now Prudence Sekgodiso stand out as prominent figures on the local and global athletics stage.

Caster Semenya, a double Olympic champion and world record-holder, has drawn attention not only for her incredible talent in middle-distance running but also for her advocacy for gender equality and inclusive in sports. Her success has sparked essential conversations and brought women’s athletics into the spotlight, showing young girls that they can achieve their dreams in sports as well.

Another example is Prudence Sekgodiso, who won gold medal recently in the Women’s 800m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 in Nanjing, China, setting a new South African national record in the process. Her impressive performance highlights the emerging talents in women's athletics and encourages young girls to dream big.

Impact on Community and Culture

Women’s races in South Africa are more than just competitions; they foster community unity and cultural celebration. Events like the Totalsport Women's race, Spar Women's Callenge and the Absa RUN YOUR YOUR CITY Series play a crucial role in women’s development in athletics. During these events, participants of all backgrounds unite around health, fitness, and teamwork, often with thousands taking part—around 96% of the total entrants in such races are women and 4% of men who accompanying their spouses, their lovers and their children

These events reflect local culture through elements like traditional dance and music, creating a festive atmosphere that encourages participation. This sense of camaraderie reinforces the importance of women's involvement in athletics, further strengthening their ties to community identity.

Breaking Stereotypes and Changing Narratives

Women’s races actively challenge common stereotypes that portray women as less competitive in sports. Increased visibility and evolving support for female athletes are pivotal to rewriting these narratives.

Schools and sports organizations are stepping up to ensure girls have equal opportunities in athletics. Initiatives like the GirlPower program and Curro Hazeldean which provides resources and coaching for girls in sports, are vital. Such programs can lead to a 30% increase in girls' participation in athletics within a few years.

Challenges Faced by Women Athletes

Despite the progress, women in South African athletics continue to face significant challenges. For instance, they often receive less sponsorship compared to their male counterparts. According to recent studies, female athletes receive only about 20% of the total sponsorship spend across sports. This gap hinders their ability to train effectively and gain recognition.

Moreover, societal pressures and lingering stereotypes can discourage young girls from pursuing their athletic dreams. Addressing these obstacles requires collective action from families, communities, sports organizations, and policymakers committed to advocating for equality within athletics.

The Role of Media in Promoting Women’s Athletics

Media representation plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of women in sports. Increasing coverage of women’s races and female athletes can elevate their status, inspire the next generation, and attract much-needed sponsors.

A shift in the media narrative toward focusing on achievements and personal stories rather than sensationalized accounts can foster respect for women athletes. Shows, documentaries, and social media campaigns that celebrate women's sports can motivate young girls to engage in athletics, keeping them active and inspired.

The Future of Women’s Races in South Africa

The outlook for women's races and athletics in South Africa is bright, with increased attention and investment. More events are incorporating women’s races alongside men's, fostering an environment of equality and respect.

As grassroots movements grow, the hope is to see enhanced representation across various platforms. Stakeholders in the athletics community must collaborate to sustain focus on female athletes, ensuring broader participation and support for women’s sports.

Empowering Young Girls Through Athletics

Integrating athletics into educational curriculums for young girls offers a powerful means of empowerment. Schools and communities should prioritize providing equal opportunities for girls, emphasizing that athletic talent is not limited by gender.

Sharing success stories of athletes like Caster Semenya or Prudence Sekgodiso inspires young girls and paves the way for a future where women's races are both celebrated and valued.

The Role of Sponsorship and Funding

To support women's athletics fully, increased funding and sponsorship are essential. Businesses and organizations in the sports domain must recognize the potential of women's races and commit to investing in female athletes.

Scholarships, training camps, and necessary resources can have a transformative impact on developing female talent. A unified commitment to equality in support can reinforce the recognition of women's worth in competitive athletics.

Building a Supportive Network

Creating organizations dedicated to women’s athletics is crucial. Mentorship programs, training workshops, and networking events can connect female athletes with experienced mentors who can guide them in their journeys.

Empowering community networks can cultivate a supportive culture where women help each other, share resources, and advocate for equality in sports.