On Saturday, March 8, 2025, 1000 Hills Rugby took a bold step in advancing gender equity by hosting a transformative workshop at the Don Bosco Hospitality Center in Kigali. With 26 female athletes and 10 male coaches and staff in attendance, the event served as a powerful platform to address gender-based challenges in sports and reinforce the club’s commitment to fostering inclusivity. This workshop was proudly delivered by 1000 Hills Rugby and made possible through the generous support of AFD, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Laureus, as part of the SESLA program.
Gender equity in sports is not just about equal access to resources—it is about creating an environment where every athlete, coach, and administrator has the support and opportunities to succeed. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in deep discussions on how gender stereotypes impact sports, with a special focus on Rwanda’s Gender Mainstreaming Strategy. They explored ways in which rugby can be used as a tool for empowerment, breaking down barriers that have historically limited female participation.
The sessions, led by experienced facilitators, tackled key issues such as gender-based discrimination, cultural challenges, and policy enforcement. Participants shared personal experiences, discussed real-life obstacles, and identified actionable solutions to drive meaningful change. Through interactive role-playing exercises, they developed strategies to address gender bias, ensuring that inclusivity becomes an integral part of coaching, leadership, and governance.
A landmark moment of the event was the election of 1000 Hills Rugby’s first-ever Gender Committee, which will oversee gender-related policies and initiatives within the club. The elected members are Nadia Uwimana as President, Alain Valentin Gasore as Vice President, and Adelyne Niyogushimwa as Secretary. This committee will play a pivotal role in advocating for inclusivity and ensuring that female athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
To put words into action, the workshop was followed by a special International Women’s Day rugby match, where the 1000 Hills Rugby Women’s Team took on Ndera Hills Rugby. The match was a celebration of women’s strength and skill, culminating in a dominant 30-10 victory for 1000 Hills, proving that women’s rugby in Rwanda is on a remarkable rise.
This workshop is just the beginning of 1000 Hills Rugby’s ongoing commitment to gender equity. The organization is determined to expand mentorship programs, strengthen policies that promote equal opportunities, and advocate for inclusivity in sports governance. As President Shema Serge stated, “The future of rugby is equal, and 1000 Hills is at the forefront of that movement.”
1000 Hills Rugby extends special thanks to AFD, IOC, and Laureus for their invaluable support through the SESLA program. Their commitment to fostering gender equity in sports is making a lasting impact, and together, we are shaping a future where every athlete regardless of gender has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we break barriers. Together, we play for equity.
Together, we break barriers. Together, we play for equity.