LOMBE MWAMBWA
“Be ungovernable in the face of unfair stereotypes or biases wielded to exclude you from a space you wish to be in.”
Meet Lombe Mwambwa, Research Director at the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport (GO). For 20 years, she has been involved in the sport and sport for development sector in roles including community engagement, monitoring, advocacy, board service, and resource mobilisation. Currently, at GO, Lombé works on gender inequalities in the context of sport. Her research interests focus on gender inequalities and social development in Zambia and around the world. Lombé is also part of the National Organisation for Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Zambia (NOWSPAR).
ALLIES IN SPORT
“Men play a role in advocating for and amplifying the stories of women in sport. They must diligently use their influence and space to challenge norms and practices that keep women’s stories undocumented and unheard.”
STORIES OF WOMEN IN SPORT
“Recurring themes in the stories of successful women in sport often highlight an acute awareness that the barriers they face are rooted in systemic conditions, rather than any intrinsic limitations as women. These narratives frequently demonstrate the need for strategic thinking to navigate and counteract inequities, coupled with a commitment to envisioning a positive and attainable future despite challenges.
I’ve been deeply inspired and supported by several incredible women: Matilda Mwaba, Beauty Lombe, my mother Christine Chanda, and Anita White. Wangarĩ Maathai has also been a lasting source of inspiration.”
AN INCLUSIVE SPORTS INDUSTRY
“Sport is a part of our social economic and cultural practice and women should participate at all levels, the had a right to. Women striving and leading the industry empowers more women to claim their right to participate and to change the material reality of sport. Not just representation but investment and influence too.”
“I want to leave behind a message that the sport industry must make room for all people. For those of us who start out not fitting in, we have to persist and stay on (as safely as possible), even in spaces that are not ready for us to be part of them. Our contribution matters, and one day it will be accepted. As Gwendolyn Brooks says ‘even if you are not ready for day, it cannot always be night.’”
