African women martial artists unite in Kampala to advance leadership, visibility
Dr Mariam Mpaata, President of the African Women in Sports Initiative, opened the workshop by paying tribute to the resilience and excellence of African women in martial arts.
Dr Mariam Mpaata, President of the African Women in Sports Initiative speaking during the workshop. (Courtesy photos)
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The 2025 African Women Martial Arts Workshop concluded in Kampala with wide-ranging discussions on leadership, communication, conflict resolution and the visibility of women in sport.
Co-hosted by the African Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) and the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (UNESCO–ICM), the workshop brought together women from across the continent involved in taekwondo, judo, karate, kickboxing, wushu and other martial arts disciplines.
Dr Mariam Mpaata, President of the African Women in Sports Initiative, opened the workshop by paying tribute to the resilience and excellence of African women in martial arts.
Lynne Wachira, Africa marketing and communication consultant at Global Sports Communication and Chair of Media at AWISI.
“For many years, African women in martial arts have demonstrated extraordinary skill, courage, resilience, and discipline, yet their contributions have too often remained unnoticed or underrepresented. Today, we change that narrative,” she said.
“This workshop is a celebration of your achievements, your stories, your leadership, and your potential to transform the future of martial arts on the continent,” she added.
Dr Mpaata reiterated that AWISI’s mission is grounded in inclusion, safety and empowerment, strengthened through collaborations such as the partnership with UNESCO–ICM.
“Through shared knowledge, technical capacity building, mentorship, and strategic dialogue, we aim to equip ourselves to lead with confidence, advocate for equity, and build sustainable pathways for the next generation,” Mpaata mentioned.
She also reminded participants that martial artists embody values that extend beyond sport.
“Discipline, respect, courage and integrity are needed not only in sport but in the broader fight for gender equality, protection from violence, and equal opportunity. Your presence here signals your commitment to using your platforms not only to excel, but to uplift others,” she told participants.
Why Uganda was chosen
UNESCO–ICM Secretary General Gyu Jig Kim told Vision Sports after the workshop that Uganda was selected to host the event after a thorough evaluation process.
“Many proposals were submitted; we reviewed them after a long process of evaluation. Uganda had the best, and that is why we chose them,” he said.
He noted that Uganda’s active martial arts community, strong organisational structure and AWISI’s leadership made it an ideal venue.
“This partnership strengthens our workshop’s impact, not in martial arts technique but in leadership, gender equity and community development. Together we are cultivating a network of African women martial arts leaders who will carry the values of respect, discipline and social change into their communities through martial arts,” Kim mentioned.
Kim added that UNESCO–ICM remains committed to empowering women across Africa through training, exchanges and leadership development.
On the third day, participants attended a session on Communication and Public Image Skills in Sports delivered by Lynne Wachira, Africa marketing and communication consultant at Global Sports Communication and Chair of Media at AWISI.
Wachira stressed the importance of effective sports communication for leaders working with athletes. She highlighted that communication must always be clear, specific, non-criticising and empathetic.
“As a sports leader, your communication should be clear, specific, non-criticising, and empathetic,” she said.
She further reminded the group that athletes thrive when they feel valued and supported.
Wachira concluded her session with a quote from Lizzy Ristano of the University of Notre Dame, “Athletes do not stay because things are going well, they stay because they feel like they matter”.
“As sports leaders, our words and actions should constantly affirm the value of those we lead,” Wachira said. “Create environments where athletes feel seen, heard and respected, because impact is not only measured in performance, but in how well we make others feel they matter,” she stressed.
Participants also took part in martial arts practicals and self-defence demonstrations that showcased the physical and mental strength of women athletes. Many said the sessions enhanced their confidence and deepened their technical understanding.
These workshops follow the 2024 African Women Martial Arts Leadership Programme held in the Korean cities of Chungju and Seoul, where African delegates received international training and exposure.
What comes next
To sustain the progress, AWISI will hold the African Women in Sports Initiative Summit under the theme “Ending Gender-Based Violence in Sports in Africa” from November 26 to 28, 2025, at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
The summit will convene leaders, athletes, administrators and policy influencers from 35 countries to advance reforms, advocacy and protection frameworks for women and girls in sport.