ANCWL opposes bans on women during Afcon

Athenkosi Mvane

19 January 2013

The African National Congress Women's League on Friday disputed reports that women could possibly be banned from some parts of stadia during the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which kicks-off at the National Stadium today.

It is being reported that women will not be allowed in the lower level of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Media reported this week that Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Niger teams complained that women being seated near the players' change rooms was considered bad luck.

The ANCWL spokesperson, Troy Martens, said they hoped the local organising committee would not allow that to happen.

Martens said that they take offence to this, as it is complete discrimination.

“What we are urging women to do as the ANCWL is to go to the stadia and support the teams that they want to support without a fear of discrimination” Martens said.

Martens also said that in this day and age, and in this country where equality is valued so highly for women to be discriminated in this manner.