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Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
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| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613791962791936 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Poole, Katherine Anne |
| author2 | Jacobs, Shaundre D. |
| author_browse | Jacobs, Shaundre D. Poole, Katherine Anne |
| author_facet | Jacobs, Shaundre D. Poole, Katherine Anne |
| author_sort | Poole, Katherine Anne |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135929 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:41:46.341Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135929 Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape Poole, Katherine Anne Jacobs, Shaundre D. Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine. Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. Poole, K. A. 2026. Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/29100d12-bbde-4938-abd7-4bc6b4447460 Understanding menstruation experiences has recently become a global focus in women's sport, and simultaneously, sporting policies are beginning to consider these experiences to improve player well-being. In South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape, participation in women’s football has increased significantly over recent years, mirroring international trends. This rise has led to an increase in research in women’s football; however, most research has been conducted on elite participants, with most players participating in semi-professional and amateur levels. This study aimed to understand menstrual experiences in the local context of the Western Cape at a semi-professional level of football. Specifically, the study aimed to highlight barriers and facilitating factors influencing perceived performance due to menstruation. The study used the findings from current research in various sporting settings to guide the questions in semi-structured interviews. These questions related to menstrual symptoms and coping strategies, menstrual impact on perceived performance at various competition levels, support systems surrounding players, and access to resources and facilities. Social, cultural and institutional influences were also explored. A qualitative research design, while using a thematic analysis, was implemented to explore the results. Participants were recruited from the Sasol League in the Western Cape, which is the semi-professional division. The results demonstrated that although symptoms experienced were reported to align with all similar studies, the prevalence of management strategies, such as the use of hormonal contraception and tracking apps, was far less in comparison to other studies. Absence from training was far greater than absence from matches; however, many participants perceived that their performance was affected negatively due to menstruation. There was a significant increase in pressure to perform as competition levels increased. Support around menstruation was often limited, specifically from coaches. Gender dynamics played a large role in the relationship between coaches and players when discussing menstruation. A major finding was that although most players had access to sufficient menstrual products, access to appropriate facilities to manage menstruation was largely lacking. Many of the findings aligned with current research in women’s football; however, specific contextual differences highlighted the need for greater awareness, education and consideration of menstruation in local football in the Western Cape. These include gender-specific spaces, policies and female-focused interventions. Masters 2026-04-15T12:03:11Z 2026-04-15T12:03:11Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135929 en Stellenbosch University 98 pages application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Poole, Katherine Anne Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape |
| title | Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape |
| title_full | Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape |
| title_short | Exploring the Menstruation Experiences of Women Footballers in the Western Cape |
| title_sort | exploring the menstruation experiences of women footballers in the western cape |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135929 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT poolekatherineanne exploringthemenstruationexperiencesofwomenfootballersinthewesterncape |