As women’s participation in sports continues to grow across Africa, new cultural conversations are emerging about identity, behavior, and tradition. In Zimbabwe, these discussions have become especially visible as team managers and sports leaders work to balance modern sporting lifestyles with the preservation of African values.
Many team managers believe that while women should be free to excel in sport, they must also uphold dignity, discipline, and respect — values that are deeply rooted in African culture.
Yvette Ashbunner, the chairperson for Harare Province Handball, said she encourages all female players to be disciplined and to dress decently. “In all handball clubs in Harare, I have asked the ladies to cover their bodies and not expose themselves to men,” she said. “At the 9th Edition of the UZ Handball Tournament, I saw great improvement. After matches, players are putting on their tracksuits to cover up, and there is no shouting of vulgar language in front of officials. I am proud of my girls. Keep it up.”
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Michelle Zuze, a Zimbabwean 100m champion who got married last year, shared her experience of maintaining dignity as a married athlete. “As a married woman, I make sure I keep my respect. I train with boys but always change in the changing rooms. During competitions, even before marriage, I used to put on track bottoms right after my race to cover my body,” she said.
Parents are also helping to promote cultural values at home. Edzai Nyamanjiwa, a mother whose daughter plays football, said, “My daughter wears shorts and track bottoms only at the ground. At home, she wears dresses and skirts. She also does all the household chores before training so that she gets used to women’s work because one day she will get married.”
Some clubs are also introducing cultural initiatives. At Herentals Queens FC, every Wednesday is “Skirt and Dress Day,” and all players are expected to follow the rule.
Zimbabwe Cricket women’s player Francisca Chipare recently tied the knot with Silas Rimawo, showing that women in sport can still embrace African culture while pursuing their careers.
These efforts show a growing movement in Zimbabwean sport, to raise disciplined, respectful, and culturally grounded female athletes who can succeed both on the field and in society.
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