The 2025 African Women Martial Arts Workshop ended in Kampala after extensive talks about leadership, communication, resolving conflicts, an...
The 2025 African Women Martial Arts Workshop ended in Kampala after extensive talks about leadership, communication, resolving conflicts, and the presence of women in sports. 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 event gathered women from throughout the continent who are engaged in taekwondo, judo, karate, kickboxing, wushu, and other martial arts.
"For years, African women in the realm of martial arts have showcased remarkable talent, bravery, strength, and dedication, but their efforts have frequently gone unrecognized or underappreciated. Today, we aim to alter this story," she stated."This seminar honors your accomplishments, your narratives, your guidance, and your ability to shape the future of martial arts across the continent," she continued.Dr. Mpaata emphasized once again that AWISI's objective is based on inclusion, security, and empowerment, further enhanced by partnerships like the one with UNESCO–ICM."By means of common understanding, enhancing technical skills, guidance, and focused discussion, we seek to prepare ourselves to lead with assurance, promote fairness, and create lasting opportunities for the following generation," Mpaata stated.She also reminded attendees that martial artists represent principles that go beyond the realm of competition."Discipline, respect, bravery, and honesty are essential not just in sports, but in the larger struggle for gender equality, protection against violence, and equal chances. Your attendance here shows your dedication to utilizing your influence not only to succeed, but to support others," she said to the attendees.Why Uganda was chosenThe Secretary General of UNESCO–ICM, Gyu Jig Kim, stated to Vision Sports following the workshop that Uganda was chosen to organize the event after a comprehensive assessment.
"Several suggestions were received; we examined them following an extended assessment procedure. Uganda presented the most favorable one, which is why we selected them," he stated.He observed that Uganda's vibrant martial arts scene, robust organizational framework, and AWISI's guidance rendered it a suitable location."This collaboration enhances the influence of our workshop, not in martial arts skills but in areas such as leadership, gender equality, and community growth. By working together, we are developing a network of African women martial arts leaders who will spread the values of respect, self-control, and societal transformation within their communities through martial arts," Kim stated.Kim stated that UNESCO–ICM continues to focus on supporting women throughout Africa via education, exchanges, and leadership programs.On the third day, attendees took part in a workshop about Communication and Public Image Skills in Sports led by Lynne Wachira, an Africa-based marketing and communication consultant with Global Sports Communication and the Media Chair at AWISI.Wachira emphasized the significance of efficient sports communication for leaders who work with athletes. She pointed out that communication should consistently be clear, precise, non-judgmental, and compassionate."As a sports leader, your communication needs to be clear, precise, non-critical, and compassionate," she stated.She also reminded the group that athletes perform best when they feel appreciated and encouraged.Wachira ended her session by quoting Lizzy Ristano from the University of Notre Dame, "Athletes don't remain because everything is going smoothly, they stay because they feel valued.""As sports leaders, our words and actions must consistently highlight the worth of those we guide," Wachira stated. "Build settings where athletes feel acknowledged, listened to, and valued, as influence extends beyond performance, but also in how effectively we make others feel significant," she emphasized.Participants also engaged in martial arts sessions and self-defense showcases that highlighted the physical and mental capabilities of female athletes. Several participants mentioned that these activities boosted their confidence and improved their technical knowledge.These sessions are part of the 2024 African Women Martial Arts Leadership Programme, which took place in the South Korean cities of Chungju and Seoul, offering African participants global training and experience.What comes nextTo maintain momentum, AWISI will organize the African Women in Sports Initiative Summit with the theme "Ending Gender-Based Violence in Sports across Africa" taking place from November 26 to 28, 2025, at Hotel Africana in Kampala.The conference will bring together leaders, athletes, officials, and policy makers from 35 nations to promote changes, awareness, and safeguarding systems for women and girls in sports.
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