Not too long ago, women basketball players were penalized for expressing themselves on the court because it was deemed "unladylike." These were social norms women had to challenge, and this part of history is often overlooked, and we now take for granted. That's why understanding the history of women’s basketball and its connection to empowerment, both in sports and society, is so crucial.

I had the privilege of hosting the launch of Shattering the Glass: The Remarkable History of Women’s Basketball with authors Susan Shackelford and Pamela Grundy as part of my women@dior social initiative project DAMECORE IMPACT. Their storytelling delved into the evolution of the game and the pioneers who made it what it is today.

Our audience was a beautiful mix of basketball players, coaches, activists, and even Dior employees—coming together from across the globe—all united in the shared goal of empowering women.

This event was especially meaningful for me because, when I was in university, I used the first edition of Shattering the Glass for research on women’s empowerment through basketball. By chance, I was recommended to buy the new edition on Amazon, and I immediately thought it would be a great opportunity to organize a book launch and bring together a community like to be inspired, just as the book had inspired me.

During the event, we explored the evolution of basketball gear, key figures in women’s basketball, the role of Black women in the sport, and overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated field. Attendees were incredibly engaged, sharing their thoughts on topics like how to keep girls in the game, improving uniforms, and how they persevere through the demanding lifestyle of basketball.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the strength and resilience of women in basketball, and our wonderful authors for sharing their expertise! 🏀