“When I feel I have played my part, I will hand the baton over to another young woman who will carry the torch of purpose and change into the future.”
Meet Lauren Jacobs, a multi-award-winning author, journalist and radio broadcaster with a passion for driving change through storytelling. Recognised with more than 13 awards for her writing and advocacy, she was recently named one of Africa’s top 54 female changemakers for her work in women’s sport. In 2023, Lauren founded She Speaks Sport, a podcast dedicated to giving female athletes a platform to share their stories, showcase their talent and shine a spotlight on the growing women’s sport movement.
“I was invited to cover the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in 2023 as a radio journalist. I have always loved cricket and grew up watching the game with my mom, who was a cricket fan unlike anyone I had ever known. So when I was invited to cover the World Cup, I was excited about being a part of the tournament.
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hroughout the tournament, I interviewed and interacted with a number of the players and coaches and knew I wanted to make a difference in this space beyond the tournament.”
“I had interviewed different female athletes as a radio broadcaster, so I understood what it would take to align the passion of sport with broadcasting, and that's where my work in the industry really got interesting.”
THE PEOPLE WHO CHAMPIONED LAUREN’S JOURNEY
“I can honestly say there have been some amazing people I have met in the sporting space. Close to my heart are the athletes I have met who have stayed in touch with me personally, and in some way we have journeyed together.
Two champions on my journey have been my fellow cricket commentators and media workers, James King and Durandt Goosen. Both of them have encouraged me and worked alongside me, helping me see the value I bring to sport and beyond. I am grateful for them both.”
THE POWER OF CONNECTION THROUGH SPORT
“I interacted with Lucie Ehrmann before the Paris Olympics in 2024, and I was so positively impacted by her wisdom and her culture of caring. She is an incredible French hockey player and competed at the Paris Olympics. She is also deeply connected with her faith, as am I, and is honest and open about many aspects of her life and journey.
I was surprised by a postcard from the Olympic Village sent to me by Lucie. That culture of caring and connection positively influenced my perception of sport and sportspeople in general.
Being on the outside of sport as a changemaker can be really lonely, and so when an athlete takes time to care and connect, it makes a world of difference.”
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE IN SPORTS MEDIA
“I think of the WNBA, for example, and the way in which the media is pushing a narrative that is divisive. That tone and coverage needs to stop.
We need to stop pitting women against one another and creating hate towards players giving their all to the game because, if you look closer and you are on the inside, you will often find it is not what the media reports.
I'd like to see honest reporting, less criticism across sporting codes, less negativity, and more constructive conversations and honest journalism.”
CREATING SPACE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
“I am hoping to tell the story that although sport is one of the hardest industries to be in as a woman, I want to see more women literally take over the sports media space.
There is a huge imbalance that remains in the media space, and much sexism as well as favouritism and many ‘isms’ that still exist.
I know I will not be in the sport industry forever, but the message I want to leave behind is that sport is for everyone.
I am hoping we will reach a place of equality within our sporting codes here in South Africa, and when I feel I have played my part, I will hand that baton over to another young woman who will carry the torch of purpose and change into the future.”
“Do not doubt your voice! Speak up. Do not back down. Take up space.
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t sounds cliché and easy, but it isn't. I have known many women across the sports media space who are stepping out of the space because of the difficulties. And they are quietly leaving and falling out of love with the games they once loved.
It's a hard road, that's just the reality. You have to raise your voice and be confident in your value.
If it's your dream to be here, never let anyone tell you differently, no matter how badly they treat you.”
