DIANA CHIKOTESHA
“Gender should never determine your success. Even in male-dominated sports, you can still compete and excel.”
Meet Diana, a teacher with two Master’s degrees in Sports Management and Physical Education and Sports and football referee. She has been awarded the Best Female Referee in Southern Africa, Best Woman in Sports in Africa, and Presidential Insignia Honours by the Zambian President.
DIANA’S PIVOTAL SPORTING MOMENT
“One instrumental moment in my life was when I saw a woman officiating a football match on television. This inspired me and helped me overcome the doubts I had about my own abilities.”
MEDIA COVERAGE OF SPORT
“There is a lot of inequity in the coverage of women in sports, and much needs to be done to ensure women’s stories are told. Some of the changes I would like to see include:
Prioritising storytelling that highlights female athletes and their achievements.
Creating intentional media policies that support female sports journalists and organisations working toward gender equity.
Avoiding sexist language and stereotypes in sports communication.”
“Women athletes often have shorter careers, so it's important to prepare for the future. I value education because it lasts, even if injuries or age limit my athletic career. As I always say: 'Champions aren’t defined by wins, but by how they recover when they fall.'”
DIANA’S ADVICE
“Identify your talents, work towards developing your skills, and stay disciplined, determined, and focused. Remember, the only thing you can achieve without effort is failure.”
