Press release
“Call me by my name. Not my gender”
26 Jun 2025
“Call me by my name. Not my gender”
Grant Thornton Belgium and the Royal Belgian Hockey Association deliver a powerful message on diversity and inclusion during Red Panthers’ Hockey Pro League match
Antwerp, 28 June 2025 – In Antwerp today, the whistle wasn’t the only thing that echoed across the pitch during the thrilling Hockey Pro League match between the Belgian Red Panthers – our national women’s hockey team – and Olympic and world champions the Netherlands. A powerful social message rang out as well. Grant Thornton Belgium and the Royal Belgian Hockey Association (RBHA) have joined forces to champion greater equality and inclusion, both in sport and in the workplace. Their campaign? “Call me by my name. Not my gender.”
Identity before gender
You couldn’t miss it – during the first half of the match, the Red Panthers wore shirts with the word “Woman” in different languages – “Vrouw,” “Mujer,” “Femme,” “Woman” – replacing their own names. A striking symbolic statement highlighting how women are often seen first and foremost through the lens of their gender, and only afterwards recognized as athletes or professionals.
But those watching closely noticed a shift in the second half. The Red Panthers returned to the pitch with jerseys bearing their first names, each preceded by the bold phrase “Call me.” A visual reminder that what matters most is their identity, talent, and achievements.
A message that goes far beyond the hockey pitch
“Diversity and inclusion are no longer buzzwords – they are core values that should shape how we live and work, today and in the future,” says Leslie Van den Branden, CEO of Grant Thornton Belgium. “In business, this means looking beyond stereotypes and fully recognizing and valuing each person’s unique story, background, experience, and talent. With this campaign, we want to raise awareness, spark conversation, and most importantly, inspire action. Because only when everyone is truly seen, heard, and valued can we build lasting change together.”
Serge Pilet, CEO of the RBHA, echoes the importance of the initiative:
“Hockey is built on respect, teamwork, tolerance, and fair play. That also means giving everyone the space to be themselves, free of barriers or prejudice. This campaign shows that hockey sees beyond labels – and that everyone counts for who they are. Our Red Panthers have grown into true hockey stars, with their first names cheered on by fans of all ages. Not because they’re women – but because they’re world-class athletes delivering world-class results.”
The Red Panthers proud ambassadors of the message
Red Panther Emma Puvrez puts it powerfully: “On the field, I’m judged by my effort, my skills, and my game sense – not by the fact that I’m a woman. That’s why my teammates and I proudly wear this message. Everyone deserves to be addressed by their name, not by a label.”
