FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28th October, 2024
The National Organization for Women in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation (NOWSPAR) Expresses Concern
The National Organization for Women in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation (NOWSPAR) expresses its deep concern regarding recent media coverage surrounding Zambian footballer Barbra Banda, currently based in the United States of America, playing for National Women’s Soccer League club Orlando Pride.
Barbra Banda has been exceptional and nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards—making it the first nomination for Zambia—and was recently nominated for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award. These are two incredible and prestigious awards recognized globally and should be celebrated. However, it is disappointing that instead of celebrating this monumental achievement, some international newspapers and social media outlets—particularly the coverage by Women Rights Network and Daily Mail UK—have reignited discussions about harmful gender eligibility debates.
Athletes’ Achievements Must Be Celebrated, Not Tarnished
Barbra Banda’s nomination is a reflection of her hard work, skill, talent, and dedication. Her contributions to football, leadership, and role as a positive role model for young women—especially in Zambia and across the Global South—deserve to be recognized and honoured, not overshadowed by sensationalist and harmful headlines.
The sustained questioning of Barbra’s eligibility to participate in the women’s category of football is harmful and unfairly distracts from the significance of her nominations. It also perpetuates a pattern where female athletes, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, are held to unfair standards and subjected to unwarranted scrutiny.
A Call for Respectful, Responsible Media Reporting
The media has a powerful role to play in shaping how athletes are perceived, and with this power comes responsibility. NOWSPAR urges the media to refrain from undermining the successes of athletes like Barbra Banda by publishing harmful, personal, and controversial topics that undermine their dedication and achievements. Media regulatory and ethics bodies around the world must hold media entities accountable for the harm caused by active publication or failure to remove abusive content.
NOWSPAR is committed to supporting media practitioners in learning how to report responsibly, with inclusivity and sensitivity. Through our engagement focusing on sensitivity, fairness, and ethics in sports journalism, we hope media houses will prioritize respectful and sensitive reporting, especially on sports topics related to gender and biological differences.
Policy and Athlete Protection
The issues Barbra Banda has faced regarding gender eligibility rules highlight a broader challenge in the sports sector. These policies disproportionately affect women, particularly those from marginalized communities. While fairness in sports is essential, policies must be designed and implemented to protect the dignity and rights of all athletes.
NOWSPAR remains committed to working with sports governing bodies to create inclusive policies that protect athletes and ensure they compete based on skill, talent, and commitment—without facing invasive or harmful scrutiny.
In Solidarity with Barbra Banda
Barbra Banda is an exceptional athlete who has inspired countless young women. Her nomination for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award is an incredible achievement, and we stand with her in solidarity. We also stand with all athletes who have faced similar challenges and will continue to advocate for a sports environment that is fair, inclusive, and respectful of all competitors.
NOWSPAR remains available to collaborate with stakeholders in the media, sports, and rights organizations to ensure that athletes are protected from discriminatory practices and harmful reporting.
On behalf of NOWSPAR,
Mofu Kandondo
Acting Executive Director
Download : Press Statement 28th Oct – NOWSPAR