At the assumption of office, Kamala Harris stated, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last.” Women occupying leadership positions is one of the greatest realizations of the 21st Century. Let’s forget about the past misconceptions that have been the reason for low women representation in policy and decision making positions. This has cut across diverse fields, not only sports. “An empowered nation is one where women are empowered”. This could prove to be the greatest acceptance since the commencement of the fight for women’s rights.
Watching Coach Liz jump up excitedly when the final whistle blew (Kenya vs Angola) must have caused many women to smile. The FIBA Afrobasketball qualifiers 2nd Window season ended a few days ago. For context, the FIBA Afro basketball tournament is a bi – annual championship that serves as Olympics qualifiers.
Never before has Africa seen a female coach head a men’s National Basketball Team. Even more, never has Africa seen a female Head Coach lead a Men’s National Basketball Team to a major, and top the biggest league on the continent. The success of one woman is ultimately the success of every woman. Liz Mills, entrusted with team Morans, thrust into the public light the sad truth about lack of women in sports leadership. 20 teams, 19 male head coaches, and 1 female one. But the 21st century is bringing forth rapid change, and we look forward to seeing more females in leadership . Team Morans proceeded to secure a ticket to the Afrobasketball games that will take place in Kigali. We can’t wait to see more of Liz at the side line showing plays to Ariel Okall and the likes.
It’s exciting to see more women engage in competition for top roles and continue to drive change in this field. With the likes of Sarah Chan, a Toronto Raptors scout in Africa, our very own Usher Komugisha , a sports continental media reporter, and Cynthia Mumbo, who dared to fill the top position of Kenyan Basketball leadership. The spirit of change is awakened and may it persist ! Despite the fact that it hasn’t been massive, we still acknowledge the small milestones, and push for more.
During Serena Williams’ semi finals match in the last Australian Open, her husband proudly wore a shirt branded Greatest Female Athlete. I loved how NBS TV and a few other media houses wrote about Coach Liz, simply, “Team Morans…. The team is led by Coach Liz”. The media is slowly acknowledging us as well. I doubt that if Coach Jacob led Wakanda Basketball to the Championships, there would be a news headline, “Male Coach Jacob leads Wakanda to Victory”. Coach Liz, we celebrate you, for you have lit up a path for more women like you. Drawing inspiration from a person in a developed country is well and good, but having a person from a country like yours succeed is even better. Just a reminder, Women can be Head Coaches too! But I didn’t have to tell you that.
Kudos Woman/Female Coach Liz! Keep making moves!
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