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International Women’s Day is celebrated annually, and this year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain.’ Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction; it is intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

The International Women’s Day website is encouraging people to share knowledge, call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women’s success. We spoke to Freelance Broadcaster Uma Gurav about her pathway into football, how to ensure the football industry is welcoming and inclusive, what she has gained from being a WIF member, and to share a message to her younger self.

 

Describe yourself and tell us about your earliest connection to football. 

When I was at primary school, I remember wondering why it was that during P.E. lessons the boys would be taken off to play football whilst the girls instead played netball. During break times, I would always be the first to run in and join the boys’ football matches in the playground. It struck me as strange even back then that we never had the chance to play in an organised way.

My dad was an avid Manchester United fan (and persuaded me to follow in his footsteps!) but it was during international tournaments that I would really grow to love the sport. My earliest memory of a tournament is the 2010 World Cup, watching England get eliminated and absolutely bawling my eyes out! I suppose that is why I have always loved football; the incredible power it has to make us feel every emotion on the spectrum!

 

 

Describe your pathway to talkSPORT? Did you always want to work in sports media? 

I have always loved sports and football, but it wasn’t until I left university that I seriously considered it as a profession. The talkSPORT apprenticeship programme was perfect for someone like me who was passionate about the industry but was also still figuring out where I fit into it all. I was given opportunities to produce shows and work on social media platforms, but it was when I got the chance to go on-air during the Women’s World Cup in 2023 that I realised I had found what I really wanted to do.

My first report was about the Spanish women’s national team and the controversy in their camp leading up to the tournament. It ended up becoming a massive story, as we all now know, but it was one of those moments that really taught me to trust myself and my instincts.

 

What does an average day/week look like in your individual role?

I’m very happy to say, there is truly no such thing as an average day! It’s a cliché, but in this industry every day really does bring something new and that is the best part about it. In the last few weeks alone, I have worked on the Premier League and WSL deadline days, travelled to Belfast to present the League Cup semi-final from Windsor Park, reported live from matches, interviewed managers at press conferences, produced podcasts and so much more!

 

 

The results of WIF's latest annual workforce survey suggest the 'dinosaur attitudes' WIF’s founders encountered 20+ years ago still exist. What message do you have for anyone who believes sexism and misogyny in the workplace is acceptable behaviour in 2026?

It makes me both sad and angry to think about all those who work in this wonderful industry who have to deal with attitudes like that. I truly believe that the only way to fight against sexism and misogyny is to prove people wrong through action, and it is incredible to see so very many incredibly women doing that every day. That is what drives me in the face of such attitudes. It makes me want to work harder and to be better than I was yesterday. The achievement and skill of women who work in football is stronger than the hatred of those who want to see them fail. I truly believe that.

 

What still needs to change to encourage more women to believe the football industry is welcoming, inclusive and one they can thrive in?

I think education is the fastest and most effective way to change anything. That means educating not just more women - to help them to understand the opportunities available to them in this industry - but also educating existing workplaces to help them understand how office culture and behaviours can be adapted to make them feel more welcoming of women.

In my experience, the majority of people in this industry are so willing to help others and to help them succeed. Just sometimes, there is a lack of awareness of how this can be done.

 

 

As a member of WIF, what have you most benefitted/gained from being a WIF member? Why would you recommend someone who isn’t a member, to join?

When I was starting out in the industry, one of the very first events I attended was a WIF talk by the wonderful Jane Purdon, who spoke about her book The Homecoming. To hear from someone who had such an incredible life and career which was intertwined with football filled me with so much hope. They say you can’t be what you can’t see and I think WIF ensures that every young person who has a dream of thriving in this industry is exposed to success stories which prove that anything is possible if you work hard enough.

 

If you were doing an interview with The Players’ Tribune tomorrow, what inspirational message would you write to your younger self?

Life is far too short to worry about things you cannot control, and far too long not to make sure you strive to do something you absolutely love every single day! Enjoy every second of the wonderful experiences that you are given and never be afraid to follow your instincts. Be as brave as the Lionesses who you look up to so much and you won’t go far wrong. And most importantly, don’t forget to smile!

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