I CHOOSE – Celebrating women’s month with Barbra Banda

We’re joining the rest of the world in appreciating and commemorating women’s month with a special campaign called, “I CHOOSE”.

We believe that all women should be encouraged to make bold choices and be trailblazers. That’s why we turned to 5 incredible Zambian women whose inspirational stories set them apart as role models for girls and boys everywhere.

Meet Barbra Banda, a professional football player and a great inspiration to many. Discover her motivating story below:

GIRAFFE CREATIVES: Tell us your name and your profession

BARBRA BANDA: My Names are Barbra Banda, I play professional football for Shanghai Shengli in China and I am the team captain for the Zambia Women’s National football team.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Smart, creative, and courageous

Our women’s day theme is #IChoose, As a woman who is pioneering in your field, what does being able to choose your vocation and thrive in it mean to you?

It means a lot to me, being a football player who has a platform allows me to do other projects outside of football that are beneficial to the community such as the Barbra Banda Foundation that I started to promote empowerment for women and girls in Zambia.

Why is celebrating Women’s day important to you?

I think it is important for us women because it is a day where every woman wants to be recognized and feel happy about her achievements. It’s very important that the country recognizes women’s contributions.

What inspired you to choose your career?

My dad was always my inspiration. He used to encourage me to do what I love most and I’m always carrying his words, to be disciplined to be determined, and to be a hard worker. He helped me become the footballer I am today.

What is most fulfilling about your career?

Carrying my Zambian team as the team captain and representing my country at large.

What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry and how do you overcome them?

I face a lot of challenges such as cyberbullying in terms of women’s football but I overcome it because I don’t pay attention to what people say. I have my vision, I have the courage to do what I love most so no one can come in my way to destroy my career because of their opinions, so I just focus on myself and what I love.

How can women better enable and support each other?

I think that no matter what sport we do we have to be considered for our talents, that’s how we can come together and support women in different sport disciplines. I believe continuing to have a female presence in all sports disciplines will help women achieve more recognition in these fields and more support.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

The only advice is to remain determined, disciplined, and be hardworking In whatever you do. Don’t be demoralized by other people who are not interested in whatever you are doing. Focus on your career because you don’t know what this can bring to your life.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m a very funny person, I love making friends and I keep team spirits high, encouraging my friends and teammates.