“I notice that there is a prejudice against women whatever they do. They are never considered at the same level as men”
In anticipation of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa launches the Her Strength, Her Impact, Our Dream campaign. This documentary-style video series highlights Africa’s Impact Champions, 12 delegates from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Tunisia and Madagascar, celebrating the future of women’s rugby across Africa.
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The United Nations (https://www.un.org/en/), reports that only 26.9 per cent of executive positions in international sport federations are held by women, and girls drop out of sports by the age of 14 at twice the rate of boys. To address these challenges, greater visibility is needed for leadership pathways and growth opportunities in women’s rugby.
Rugby Africa’s Her Strength, Her Impact, Our Dream campaign highlights the personal and professional journeys of Impact Champions—standout players, coaches and leaders who exemplify the dedication to paving new pathways for the women’s game. Through bi-weekly videos, the campaign celebrates the achievements, challenges and the misconceptions of women’s rugby across Africa.
“I notice that there is a prejudice against women whatever they do. They are never considered at the same level as men,” Ikbel Ouji, Impact Champion from Tunisia Rugby Federation.
Other distinguished figures featured include Sally Horrox, World Rugby’s Chief of Women’s Rugby; Paula Lanco, Executive Member at Rugby Africa and World Rugby Council Member; Mel Wright, Global Impact Manager at World Rugby; Coralie Van Den Berg, World Rugby’s Regional Partnership Manager for Africa; Maha Zaoui, Women’s Rugby Manager at Rugby Africa; Ninette Kruyt, Women’s Participation Programmes Manager at World Rugby and Dame Katherine Grainger, first woman Chair of the British Olympic Association. As well as Jude Rwakayanga , Club Secretary and Uganda Rugby union technical committee member for Age Grade (Women & Men) Development and Sikhumbuzo Muchenje, female rugby player working with Sables Men & Women Management.
“The biggest misconception in women in sports is that certain sports are only intended for men or women. We, as women, are capable and we are growing in numbers” Paula Lanco, Executive Member at Rugby Africa and World Rugby Council Member.
As part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 Programme (www.world.rugby.com), the governing body of rugby across the globe, the 12 Impact Champions will receive tailored support for career development. The delegates will also attend the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, reinforcing World Rugby’s and Rugby Africa’s commitment to the sustainable growth of women’s rugby across Africa.
A Five-Part Video Series:
The campaign unfolds through five segments:
- Countdown to the 2025 Rugby World Cup (Teaser) – Setting the stage for the global tournament and the role of African players.
- What Does the New Era of Empowerment Mean to You? – Personal insights from Impact Champions on breaking barriers and shaping the future.
- What is the Core Belief or Value That Your Passion for Rugby Has Taught You? – Showcasing the life lessons and values instilled through rugby.
- What is the Biggest Misconception About Women in Sports? – Challenging stereotypes and reshaping narratives.
- What Was Your Biggest Highlight of Your Career? – Celebrating triumphs and milestones of female athletes and leaders in the sport.
Through Her Strength, Her Impact, Our Dream, Rugby Africa engages global audiences by celebrating achievements, fostering growth and opportunity for women’s rugby. Fans are invited to follow the campaign on official Rugby Africa’s Social Media Platforms.
List of the 12 Impact Champions from Africa:
- Ikbel Ouji (Tunisia) –Commercial & Communication
- Nour Khaled (Tunisia) –LUNEX-RA Sports Management Training Program & CapGemini Leadership Scholarship
- Ando Niaina Herimahefa (Madagascar) –Women’s Rugby Development Officer
- Felana Rajaona (Madagascar) –Chairwoman Medical Committee & LUNEX-RA Sports Management Training Program
- Prossy Pearce Nakakande (Uganda) –Board Member
- Winnie Atyang (Uganda) –Women’s Rugby Representative & LUNEX-RA Sports Management Training Program
- Regina Mwanandiwa (Zimbabwe) – Women’s Rugby Chairperson
- Nothando Ndlovu (Zimbabwe)- Match Officials Educator
- Harriet Okach (Kenya) –Board Member – Commercial & Fundraising
- Shirley Anindo (Kenya) – LUNEX-RA Sports Management Training Program
- Cebisa Kula (South Africa) – SA Rugby Elite Player Development Girls Manager
- Nandipha Manjezi (South Africa) – LUNEX-RA Sports Management Training Program
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