International Women's Day with UKA – Jazmin Sawyers

On the 8th March, it is International Women’s Day, and to celebrate, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion advocates at UKA have spoken to several stakeholders in the sport about this year’s theme, #BreakTheBias.

The theme for this year is encouraging people to think about what they can do to do create a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. Where difference is valued and celebrated to forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. More information can be found here.

Over the next five days we’ll be showcasing stories from across the sport. Today we start with two-time Olympic finalist, Jazmin Sawyers.

Have you experienced bias during your time in the sport? 

I’ve been lucky that my personal experience of gender based bias in sport has been minimal. Beyond sexist comments about my appearance I experience the sport as an equal. However I know that for many women in our sport, specifically women in East Africa this still isn’t the case and they’re being taken advantage of by predatory men, which is why I decided to get involved with the Women’s Athletic Alliance.

What led you to become involved in the Women’s Athletic Alliance?

After learning about Agnes Tirop’s murder, and reading posts by our founder, Mary Ngugi, my eyes were opened to the oppression of so many East African women in athletics, and I wanted to be a part of the solution. Mary was looking for other athletes to work with to start her organisation and both Jodie and I got in touch, and now we’re in the process of putting together a community where women feel they are able to speak out against abuse, and we want to provide the support they need to actually escape it.

Which female(s) inspire you?

I’m inspired by my fellow board members. Mary was brave enough to speak out, loudly, against the abuse she has seen going on in her own country and started an organisation from scratch. Jodie (Williams) has been working on social justice issues for years, and we’ve been on teams together for years – she inspires me to use my platform as a sportswoman for more than just jumping into sand.

What does International Woman’s Day mean to you?

It’s an opportunity to both celebrate the achievements of women and consider what we still need to do on both a local and global scale to achieve a world where your gender is not a barrier.

You can read further information about the work of the Women’s Athletic Alliance in the piece written here by Jodie Williams, HERE.