I live in a small house in New Eersterust with my mom, father and three brothers. Growing up, I was always told that girls should stay quiet and not take up space. I love sport but I didn’t think it was for me because people said it’s for boys. When the Altus Sport sessions began, I watched from the side for a few weeks until my coach Sheila invited me to join.

One day, we had a session on My Rights and My Responsibility. I learned that girls have the same right to play, learn and lead as boys. Our coach made us list things we were good at and it made me realise I had been hiding my strengths. I started helping organise our games and spoke during our class reflection.

I also started helping younger girls at school to join sport.

The biggest change for me is that I am no longer afraid to stand up for myself. I’ve learned that leadership has no gender and being a girl means being powerful in my own way.