The 2025 African women in sports summit is underway at Hotel African in Kampala. The three-day summit that climaxes this Friday is bringing together participants from 30 countries discussing and fostering discussions on gender equality and gender-based violence in sports.
In honouring sports heroines such as Rebecca Cheptegei, Damaris Muthee, Agnes Tirop, and Eudy Simelane who lost their lives to gender-based violence, recognition that safe sports is not a privilege but a right, and a responsibility beginning with each one was at the forefront.
Rossette Sayson, the Uganda Olympic Committee Gender Equality and Diversity Commission chairperson urged stakeholders in sports to act.
She emphasized that the media should prevent misinformation from spreading in society and should focus on showcasing the achievements of female athletes rather than merely their appearance and attire.
“Athletes and their parents also play a pivotal role in combating gender-based violence by actively supporting players and advocating against such violence,” Sayson noted.
Coaches and officials were called upon uphold ethical standards to ensure safeguarding of athletes.
“One in five women experience Gender Based Violence world wide,” highlighted Adekemi Ndieli, the Deputy Country Representative – UN Women.
Furthermore, sporting institutions should implement policies designed to prevent gender-based violence and establish effective reporting systems for such incidents.
