Nairobi, Kenya – 11 April 2025 | Over 200 African women in sports from 20 Countries will gather in Nairobi on 12th April 2025 to launch their Continental Association, The African Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI).
The event at Micheal Joseph Center in Westland will also give distinctive Awards of excellence to 15 women who have been outstanding in the sports Industry from 15 Countries across Africa.
Formed in 2023 AWISI brings together 240 women from 20 different countries who specialize in different sports.
AWISI is a sports platform for information, knowledge, inspiration, and support for women through various avenues not limited to training, advocacy work, research, and networking events, targeting women in Africa within the Sports Sector, from both the top and lower structures of the sports industry
AWISI’s vision is to become the number one supporter of African women in sports and “to help women throughout the continent realize their full potential in Sports.
Founders/Board Members
The Founders and Board Members of the African Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) are a diverse group of visionary women dedicated to transforming the sports industry for African women. Together, they bring expertise from various sports and leadership roles across the continent.
Through their leadership, AWISI continues to be a beacon of inspiration, knowledge, and support for women in sports across Africa.
Dr. Mariam Mell’Osiime Mpaata, Founder & President, AWISI
Mariam Mell’Osiime Mpaata is the Founder and CEO of Afrika Sports Foundation Center, Uganda, Founder of Junior Stars Youth Development Program, Kenya and the Founder African Women In Sports Initiative. She holds a Masters and Honorary Doctorate in Sports Management, Real Madrid Graduate School, a Degree in Development Studies, Makerere University, Uganda. She is also an author of a sports memoir -Boots Don’t Lie. Mariam has founded many sports initiatives in the region through which she champions for sports engagement and women rights. She has over 15 years of sports for social development.
Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya, Co-Founder & Vice President
Beverley Agbakoba-Onyejianya is a Sport law and governance advisor, founder of Lagos Tigers FC and Lead Faculty of Business of Sports Institute Africa. Beverley believes that in sports, as it also is in life, women demonstrate that strength lies not just in physical prowess but in resilience, unity, emotional intelligence, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Carol Radul, Co-Founder & Board Member
Carol Radull is a Sports Journalist/ Media Personality Chair, Proprietor and host of Radull Live, Jury Member, Plural+23, New York. She sits on the Voting Panel for CAF Women of the Year awards 2024. Carol has over 30 years experience in the Media Industry, 16 of those in Sports Activism and Commentary. She believes women in sports deserve better, and she considers herself a Sports Fan who cares.
Cynthia Mumbo, Co-Founder & Board Member
Cynthia Mumbo is the Founder and CEO of Sports Connect Africa, a Board Member at the Kenya Academy of Sports, the Founder of She Drives Sports and an Advisory Board Member of Hype Sports Innovation. Cynthia is also involved in the World Football Summit, and AfroSport Summit, and is A Launch and Grow Fellow at Babson College
Anisha Shahir Muhoozi, Co-Founder & Treasurer
Anisha Shahir currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Kampala Capital City Authority Football Club Uganda. She is also a Member of the AFCON 2027 and CHAN 2024 Events and Operations Sub Committee alongside being the Secretary for Watt Club Uganda Ltd. Anisha holds a Master’s Degree in Business Admin from Heriot Watt University UK , a FIFA Club Professionalisation & Management Programme Certificate, Diploma in Football Management from FUFA and a Diploma in Procurement & Supply Chain Management from CIPS. Anisha is a firm believer in excellence coupled with transparency and accountability while committed to continuous learning and development.
