Local female judoka talks equality in Women’s Month
"I believe change will only come when many people are committed to doing their bit to change our reality, and try to live that example."
KJK Judo Club head coach, Katja Bruwer believes that women in sports is all about breaking barriers, and facing obstacles specifically in the male dominated sport of judo.
The Record sent some questions on gender equality in South Africa to the 58-year-old judo coach:
• What does Women’s Day or month mean to you?
Actually not that much at this stage. These months/ days are only of value if they bring about change, which is not happening. I believe change will only come when many people are committed to doing their bit to change our reality, and try to live that example.
Women must also gear up and seek to empower themselves, which they often do. An example would be to attend self-defence courses when they are offered in their communities, insist that girls complete their schooling, encourage them to do sport – even traditionally male-dominated sports if they wish to.
Teach them that they are good enough and beautiful enough as they are.
• How would you address the cultural issues that form the background of the gender pay gap?
Lead by example and do it in the organisation you are involved with. Positions, equal pay etcetera are non-negotiable no matter what your gender, race or cultural background.
• What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially in the workplace?
Be the change that you want to see. If one is able to, lead and behave in a way that makes negative stereotyping of both girls and boys, men and women unacceptable. Empower everyone and work to create new behavioural norms where all are treated with dignity and respect.
• Why haven’t we achieved equality, despite legislation in place regarding pay?
People are often unwilling to change, and legislation and rule of law often sadly mean nothing to many people.
This is a difficult one, taking into account all the challenges this country faces, coupled with an often total disregard for the law.
I believe that every person, in their own way, should strive to make a difference. Hopefully, people and organisations will start to change.
• What would you change about the assumptions men made about women?
Educating youngsters, also encouraging men to think about and challenging their belief systems. Bearing in mind that women may also be their own worst enemies when they raise their girls and boys according to gender stereotypes they grew up with, we all need to do self-examination.
• How do you succeed in a male-dominated environment?
I think I succeeded, I am succeeding because I did not succumb to gender stereotypes with regards to gender roles, hairstyles, clothing, make-up, what sports are for girls/ boys etc.
I encourage girls to chase their dreams and to be comfortable with who they are.
• What can men do to help to achieve equality?
I think a huge way forward is for men to acknowledge that they may be part of the problem and to question their behaviour, beliefs and toxic behaviour.
We can only change once we accept we have a problem. However, women also need to play a role here. We need to question the way we raise and treat our boys and girls.
Children copy adults, so all must try to ensure that we do our bit in raising a generation of young women and men who value each other and respect each other on every level. We must also not forget our young boys. This may be a very confusing time for some – for example toxic behaviour they experience at home or even at school versus what they are hearing and seeing in the media.
