Breaking the Silence: Lessons from Catherine Ndereba on Self-Worth, Boundaries, and GBV Prevention in Athletics
Catherine Ndereba, a legendary Kenyan marathoner and one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, has always been a symbol of strength, determination, and resilience. Today, she continues to inspire, not just through her athletic feats, but by advocating for the protection of athletes from Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
In a recent interview, Ndereba offered powerful insights on self-worth, personal boundaries, and financial independence — critical lessons that every athlete and individual can learn from. Her reflections highlight the urgent need to address the growing issue of GBV, especially within the world of sports.
“We Value Material Things More Than Life Itself”
Ndereba’s message is profound yet sobering. She points out that, in today’s society, there is a misplaced emphasis on material possessions over the value of human life. “We do not value life as much as we value material things,” she says. This materialistic mindset, she explains, often leads to toxic relationships where control and dominance become the norm.
When people feel the need to control their partners or spouses, it creates a toxic power dynamic. When this control is threatened, the result is often violence, emotional abuse, or psychological manipulation. Ndereba notes that this is one of the reasons for the growing number of cases where domestic conflicts escalate into violence.
Her call to action is clear — we must learn to prioritize life, love, and self-respect over material wealth and control.
“Set Boundaries and Don’t Let Anyone Define You”
One of the most powerful messages from Ndereba’s interview is the importance of setting personal boundaries. She emphasizes that athletes, and indeed all individuals, must have a strong sense of self-awareness and self-respect.
“Do not let people define you,” she advises. Instead, people should set clear personal boundaries that reflect their values, dreams, and self-identity. For athletes, this is particularly crucial, as many of them come from humble beginnings and are thrust into the public eye when they achieve success. With sudden wealth and fame, they may face pressure from family, friends, and partners to conform to certain expectations.
Ndereba argues that athletes must have the courage to stand their ground. “If I want to go a certain way, that is how I will go,” she declares. Her message is about being assertive and living life on one’s terms, regardless of what others may think or expect.
When athletes allow others to define them, they leave room for exploitation and control. “People tend to take advantage of you, especially when they know you do not know something,” she warns. This is why knowledge, self-awareness, and financial literacy are essential for athletes.
“Athletes Need to Take Control of Their Finances”
Ndereba identifies financial management as one of the biggest challenges faced by athletes. While many athletes win large sums of money from prize winnings, endorsements, and sponsorships, the lack of financial literacy often exposes them to financial abuse.
In relationships, disputes over money can lead to power struggles, control, and even violence. This is why Ndereba emphasizes the importance of athletes being actively involved in managing their finances. She highlights a critical measure taken by Athletics Kenya to address this issue — the establishment of an office specifically in charge of supporting and protecting women athletes in Kenya.
This office serves as a safe space where women athletes can seek advice, support, and protection from any form of abuse, whether financial, physical, or emotional. The office also provides financial management education, ensuring that athletes have the tools and knowledge to manage their wealth independently.
By giving athletes control over their finances, they can avoid falling victim to financial abuse from spouses, family members, or managers who may seek to control them.
“You Are Not the First or the Last – Speak Out!”
For athletes and survivors of GBV, one of Ndereba’s most important messages is the call to break the silence. She reminds victims that they are “not the first or the last” to experience GBV, and staying silent only perpetuates the cycle of abuse.
“It is good to open up and get everything straightened out,” Ndereba advises. By speaking out, survivors can access support systems, such as counseling, legal protection, and community support. Silence, on the other hand, only emboldens perpetrators and allows the abuse to continue.
For athletes, this message is especially critical. Many fear coming forward due to stigma, embarrassment, or fear of retaliation from their partners or sponsors. However, Ndereba encourages them to prioritize their well-being and report any form of abuse — be it financial, emotional, psychological, or physical.
Key Lessons from Catherine Ndereba’s Interview
1️⃣ Value Life Over Material Possessions
We live in a world that glorifies wealth, fame, and material success. But Ndereba’s message is a reminder that nothing is more valuable than life itself. Prioritize human life, love, and self-respect over material wealth.
2️⃣ Set Boundaries and Be Firm About Them
Athletes and individuals must have clear boundaries in their personal and professional lives. “Do not let anyone define you,” says Ndereba. Take control of your narrative, your goals, and your future. If a relationship does not align with your principles and values, it is okay to walk away.
3️⃣ Manage Your Finances and Seek Knowledge
Athletes should take charge of their finances and avoid leaving control in the hands of others. Athletics Kenya has established a Women Athletes Office to help protect women athletes from financial abuse. Take advantage of similar support structures, seek financial literacy education, and avoid being financially dependent on others.
4️⃣ Do Not Allow Any Form of Abuse
Abuse takes many forms — physical, financial, emotional, and psychological. It is important to recognize these forms and refuse to tolerate any of them. Seek help from community leaders, counselors, or support organizations. Do not suffer in silence.
5️⃣ Speak Out and Seek Support
Breaking the silence is one of the most important steps in ending GBV. “You are not the first or the last,” Ndereba reminds survivors. It takes strength and courage to speak up, but doing so opens the door to support, justice, and healing. Use helplines, trusted friends, and support centers to tell your story.
Call to Action: Let’s Protect Our Athletes and Stand Against GBV
Catherine Ndereba’s message is both timely and essential. As one of Kenya’s most celebrated athletes, she understands the pressures and challenges that athletes face — from managing fame and finances to protecting their well-being. Her advice is a clarion call to all athletes and society at large: Set boundaries, manage your finances, and prioritize your life over material possessions.
But this is not a battle for athletes alone. It is a societal issue that requires everyone to take action. We must create environments where survivors feel safe to speak out, where financial literacy is accessible to all, and where abusers are held accountable.
Athletics Kenya’s establishment of a Women’s Office to protect women athletes is a significant step forward. But as a society, we must do more. We must amplify the voices of survivors, advocate for stronger policies to end GBV, and offer support structures for survivors.
�� Watch Catherine Ndereba’s Full Interview Here: https://t.co/Yarkn08wM2
�� GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116
�� Learn More: www.ngaaf.go.ke
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