Nairobi, Kenya – April,13,2025 | The African Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) officially launched on 12th April 2025 at the Michael Joseph Center, marking a significant milestone in empowering women in sports across Africa.
Founded by Dr. Marriam Mpata, AWISI has over 500 members drawn from 20 countries across Africa with an aim to unite women from diverse corners of the continent, fostering leadership and excellence in sports.
Brought together by passion and pursuit of excellence, 150 women with some travelling far and wide to grace the Saturday afternoon event.
The excitement in the room was palpable, with all the participants looking meticulous as they all adhered to embracing the Africanacity theme.
It was an Afternoon by women, for women with the women applauding each other’s achievements, even with occasional standing ovations in between speeches.
During the launch, several outstanding women in sports were recognized for their achievements in the sports space, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to celebrating and empowering women to realize their full potential in a field where women continue to navigate unique challenges.
While officially launching the initiative, an emotional Dr. Mpata highlighted the reason behind the dream, “We are thrilled to bring together women who are shaping the future of sports in Africa,” said Dr. Mpata.
“Through AWISI, we envision a future where women are not only celebrated for their achievements but also empowered to lead and inspire others.” She added.
Dr Mpata also looked back to where the vision was born, “The initiative started in 2019 in Mombasa, inspired by a dream to give African women in sports a voice and to encourage them to stay the course, the event today was literally conceived out of a WhatsApp group and was fully funded by women, we can do incredible things when we unite for a common goal.”
AWARD WINNER OF AWISI WOMEN’S DAY- 2025
1. SOUTH AFRICA – Sue Destombes – Executive Director – COSAFA
2. NIGERIA – Akintoye Yemisi Eunice – FIFA Referee
3. BOTSWANA – Naledi Chabe – Rugby Referee.
4. GHANA – Rafatu Inusah – Rugby Management
5. ZAMBIA – Colonel Priscillar Katoba – Football Administrator,
6. TANZANIA – Edna Lema – Football Coach
7. MADAGASCAR – Ando Niaina Herimahefa – Women’s Rugby
8. CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Isabelle Yeboua; Rugby Coach
9.LESOTHO – Mapulane Phohleli – Football for social development
10. SEYCHELLES – Fatima Kante: Tennis
11. EGYPT – Maha Mahmoud – Chess and sports arbitration
12. TUNISIA – Dr. Maha Zaoui – Rugby management
13. UGANDA – Lillian Zawedde – Woodball
14. ZIMBABWE – Kudzai Kadzombe –Football administration
15. KENYA – Ann Irura- Anita – Advocate for Inclusive Sports
