Semenya and Ellis talk about women empowerment

In celebration of International Women’s Month, two of South Africa’s iconic women in sport Caster Semenya and Desiree Ellis, have shed light on the importance of women’s empowerment.

Both recently attended the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit at Emperors Palace.

Semenya is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner and a three-time world championship record holder in the women’s 800m.

ALSO READ: Edenvale Football Club hosts junior trials

Ellis is the current coach for Bayana Bayana.

Semenya emphasised the importance of believing in oneself.

“I never allow anyone to tell me how I should live my life or how I should look like.

“It is important to raise awareness and educate people about humility, as well as human rights. And also to empower other women by reminding them they matter,” she said.

Semenya is currently busy with her development program aimed at empowering aspiring athletes.

“I grew up in the rural areas, in an environment where we didn’t have facilities or any programmes.

“That is why it is important to go back and plough back in the community and make sure that I raise a bar; ensure that these young women and men don’t go through what I had to go through,” she added.

She advocated for self-love and patience.

“To young girls and boys who are still discovering themselves, I think it comes with self-love, appreciating yourself, accepting yourself for who you are and making sure you are happy within.

“Dedication and self-investment and time management are also important.”

ALSO READ: Local football SAPS team loses in the league

Meanwhile, Ellis explained how she wanted to create opportunities for others and share knowledge.
She shared people have the moral obligation to pass on knowledge and information.

“I received an opportunity as a young girl to play soccer and I had coaches that took care of me and created opportunities for me. I want to do the same for the next generation.”

She also emphasised the importance of mental well-being.

“I think it is important to have someone you can speak to because it is not something people talk about, but it is real.

“We have to take care of each other and make sure everyone is in a good space before it is too late,” she said.

Her biggest priority at the moment is to qualify for the Olympics, with the first game taking place on April 1 against Nigeria.

ALSO READ: Women invited to join Edenvale Football Club

She reminded everyone that their dreams are valid.

“Make sure you train well and work hard because if you have the talent, go for it, but make sure to prepare for life after football.

“I think we inspire others by what we do and who we are, regardless of how small it might seem.

“We also don’t celebrate each other enough,” said Ellis.