Tennis stars to champion an end to violence against women and children in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG / PRETORIA, 25 November 2022 – Some of the world’s leading tennis stars will hit the court in Johannesburg, 03 and 04 December, as part of the Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge, in partnership with UNICEF South Africa. The event will bring joy to tennis lovers and will use the sport as a force for good to promote the protection and empowerment of girls and women through sports.

International tennis stars Ons Jabeur, Sloane Stephens, Karolina Pliskova, Francesca Jones, and Martina Hingis will play alongside national heroes, Dustin Brown and Khololwam Montsi, and call for each one of us to be a champion by smashing violence out of the lives of women and children.

The announcement comes at the start of the annual 16-days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, 25 November to 10 December, that works to fight the scourge of violence and discrimination against girls and women.

“When children are protected, when women are safe, we all do better,” said Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative. “Sport is a powerful force for good and can help to break down barriers, change attitudes and promote healthier and safer lifestyles for every child,” added Muhigana.

“This event goes beyond sports culture by shedding a light on the other pandemic, which is violence against women and children in South Africa,” said Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge Representative, Tendai Rukwava. “Through this partnership with UNICEF South Africa we aim to spread the message that when women, girls and boys can play their best set, they become the next generation of champions and change makers,” added Rukwava.

In the build-up to the event, the tennis stars will also hold clinics for children to promote the sport and the healthy development of children, including important life skills, such as respect, leadership, and equality.

Young professional tennis player, Khololwam Montsi, highlighted the importance of having conversations about and tackling violence in the community. “Through this initiative, I’m hopeful that both young and old South Africans will be inspired to not only play tennis but to further grow the game of tennis and continue the fight to end violence against women and children,” said Khololwam.

Notes to editors

The Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge will take place at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, 03 – 04 December.

Tickets to the event are available for purchase at www.ticketpro.co.za