Cape Town - “Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry has its challenges – and getting a seat at the table and having your voice heard remains a challenge.”
This is why Debra Barnes, from Plumstead, launched the Women in Sport Summit to raise awareness through events, conversations and, more importantly, tell the women’s stories, which according to Barnes are critical in changing the narrative on the place of women in society and across all industries.
Barnes, who matriculated from Wittebome High in Wynberg, said she always wanted to be a lawyer, but because of growing up in a politically charged era, did not get the opportunity.
“I went straight into Hewat Training College, qualifying as a teacher and that was the start of an exceptionally empowering and fulfilling journey, teaching at St Augustine’s Primary School in Wynberg, where I was also part of a strong athletics coaching team, identifying talent and preparing them for the annual athletics meet.”
Barnes then graduated in sports management, marketing, tourism and event management, and worked at the V&A Waterfront as special events manager on major international events, including Cape Town’s bid to host the Olympics.
“I spent almost a decade in the sports marketing industry, as business director at Octagon and Openfield, managing the Gary Player Invitational Global Series and the Engen sponsorship (athletics, football and cycling).
“I also launched my sports event management agency in 2016, hosting a series of business sport breakfasts, bringing sport and business together.
“In 2019, I was appointed to the role of race director of the iconic Two Oceans Marathon.”
In 2021, Barnes became the rights holder of the Women in Sport Summit, which is aimed at profiling and celebrating the game-changers and inspirational women in sport who lead, conquer and inspire on and off the field.
“My motivation is the need to have the voices of women in sport heard, on the field, in communities and boardrooms.”
To the younger generation, Barnes said: “Empowerment actually means ‘I have the power’. Embrace your power and don’t give up on your dreams. Last, always make room for dreams, for sisterhood and for other women to succeed.”