Anyone for Tennis? Conversations with black women involved in tennis during the apartheid era

Abstract

abstract Tennis in South Africa has a long history at both mainstream and township level, as well as a proud record of female participation dating back to the late nineteenth century. The game is widely regarded as a woman-friendly sport, as women have always participated in the sport at both a social and competitive level. Notwithstanding, women and girls involved in tennis are subject to the same challenges presented by a patriarchal society in the form of gender discrimination and gender stereotyping. Historically and currently, the participation of black women in tennis needs to be seen within a political context. Obstacles such as poor and insufficient facilities, poor or no coaching, and the institutionalised poverty and racial discrimination of the apartheid era have shaped and often constrained their involvement in the sport. The game of tennis can only recapture its previous status as an important national sport if the socio-economic constraints currently hobbling the game are addressed; while the participation of women and girls will only be increased if gender discrimination in the sport is addressed within the framework of a national development programme aimed specifically at meeting their needs.