Dear Minister Mthethwa,

A brave Iranian woman, Elnaz Rekabi, returned home after representing her country only to face arrest and possible criminal charges as a result of a head scarf. Discrimination based on gender (men are not required to cover their bodies) is no different to discrimination based on race.

I think it is important for you, as Minister of Sport to speak out in support of Ms Rekabi, not only so as to promote lack of discrimination beyond our borders, but to show support to women in South Africa as well.

As I am sure you are aware, while women in South Africa are not discriminated against from a legislative point of view, they do face challenges on a daily basis whether it be in the workplace or instances of GBV at home.

The aims of the ANC are: the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society - we cannot allow and tolerate sexist laws and we need to speak out against them. Women's rights are human rights!

Many thanks
Jason Collins