What does International Women's Day mean to women in sport?

UK Sport talks to some of the 22,000 women from low and middle income countries supported by its international training programme.

UK Sport supports the training of over 22,000 young women in low and middle-income countries to use sport to develop valuable life-changing skills that will empower them to make informed decisions and facilitate personal and social development. Sport is breaking down barriers and giving women greater access to physical recreation, education and socio-economic opportunities.

So what does International Women’s Day mean to these women in sport?

Jennifer Mmasi (National Sports Council Tanzania, International Inspiration, Tanzania)

"For me, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to get women involved in sport and promote the message of sport as a human right. A right to give women the opportunity to develop healthily and to make informed decisions. Sport gives women access to information about their health and can be used as a tool to educate. It can support women in their development and contribute towards global development."

Khanyisa Mngqibisa (Coach, Waves for Change, South Africa)

“There are not a lot of women surfing. If men see a woman challenge the waves, they see that we are just the same. Women’s Day means a lot to me because when people see a black woman surfing, I feel so proud of myself. This is a day that women can see what they can achieve.”

Sabina Wanjiku (Divisional Coordinator Bahari, Moving The Goalposts, Kenya)

"I am celebrating the development of women in sport and leadership. I am proud of how much I have achieved in my life through sport. I wonder how my life could have been if I had not involved myself in sports activities and see sport as a chance for women to change men's perception of them. We find we are not equally treated and the same resources are not given to girls and women as well. Sport gives us an equal chance to show that we have the potential."

Linda Shaciinda (Go Sisters Coordinator, Go Sisters, Zambia)

“International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the achievements of women and promote gender issues. They are not always seen as important in our society but on Women’s Day people get to reflect and talk about their successes, especially in sport. It is believed that soccer is just for men and if a woman reads the media it looks like women do not play sport, but women have done well, especially in soccer! Today the media will cover women’s sports and everyone can see that it’s not just a man’s game. People can read and be inspired that women can be just as active, even if it is just for today.”