Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The Journey of Women in 1000 Hills Rugby

Rugby is more than a sport—it is a movement, a force that transforms lives, instills resilience, and builds communities. At 1000 Hills Rugby Club, we have witnessed this power firsthand in the journey of our women’s team, a story of unwavering determination, struggle, and triumph.

When 1000 Hills Rugby Club was founded in 2014, our mission was simple yet bold to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where young athletes, regardless of gender, could thrive.
In the early days, a group of 12 young women dared to step onto the field, eager to challenge norms and prove that rugby is for everyone. But by 2016, the reality of limited competitions, resources, and societal barriers took its toll. Participation dwindled. Players walked away.
Everyone left except one.

Among those early pioneers was Gasengayire Jacqueline. Unlike others, she refused to let the dream fade. Through the quiet years, she remained. She trained alone when no one else showed up. She believed when there was little hope.
Her love for rugby and her commitment to seeing more girls play the game kept her going. In 2021, we partnered with her to reignite women’s rugby by introducing the game at her school.
What started with just a few girls quickly gained momentum. By 2022, 18 young women from GS Gatenga had joined the club. By 2023, that number had grown to 25.
But we soon discovered a painful truth: 16 of our 25 players struggled with school fees. Some were on the verge of dropping out.
We had to do more.

In 2024, we launched the Girls’ Education Program, rallying support to raise 585,000 Rwf, providing school fees and essential supplies for 10 young women.
This was just the beginning.
In 2025, a new chapter unfolded when 1000 Hills Rugby was selected for the SESLA program, a project funded by AFD, IOC, and Laureus, benefiting 65 young athletes (35 girls, 30 boys). Beyond rugby, the program equips them with education and job-readiness skills, preparing them for a future of opportunities.
Gasengayire Jacqueline: A Leader, A Trailblazer
Today, Gasengayire Jacqueline is more than a former player. She is a Level 1 Rugby XV coach, a mentor, and a member of the Conflict Resolution Committee at the club. She has inspired hundreds of young girls to pick up a rugby ball and dream beyond boundaries.
Her story is proof that one person’s resilience can create a movement.

Our vision for women in rugby is bigger than the game. We see:
✅ More girls stepping onto the field, unafraid to challenge stereotypes.
✅ More scholarships and academic opportunities for female athletes.
✅ A future where women’s rugby is as celebrated and recognized as men’s.

This March 8, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we invite you to be part of this journey. Join us for our Gender Equity in Sports Workshop, where we will continue pushing for a world where every girl can dream, play, and lead.
📍 Event: 1000 Hills Rugby Gender Equity Workshop
📅 Date: March 8, 2025
🏉 Location: Don Bosco Hopitality Center Kigali, Gatenga
Because when women rise, communities rise.
#NoLimitsJustRugby 🏆