Strong Women, Strong Teams

Around the world, sport is undergoing a powerful transformation. Women’s competitions are gaining momentum, drawing equal attention, funding, and fan support in many sporting disciplines. Here in Kenya and Uganda, rugby pitches, school fields, and community courts work is needed to support women who wish to take up coaching and leadership roles in sport.

At DBA Africa, we believe that female coaches are doing more than developing young athletes. They’re building confidence, breaking down stereotypes, and showing young girls what leadership looks like.

Representation matters.

When young girls see women in positions of strength, as coaches, captains, and mentors, they begin to reimagine what’s possible for themselves. Coaching becomes more than just drills and tactics; it becomes a powerful vehicle for empowerment, identity, and ambition.

The Rise of Women in Rugby: Kenya Sevens Make History

Recently, the Kenya Lionesses Sevens team made history by qualifying for Division 2 of the newly reformatted HSBC SVNS World Series, a monumental achievement given the limited resources available to the team. Despite fewer fixtures, reduced funding, and minimal access to facilities, the Lionesses have showcased resilience, unity, and most of all talent.

Their qualification is more than a sporting milestone, it’s a statement that African women, and Kenyan women’s rugby in particular, belong on the global stage.

Behind this success is a trailblazing group of players, including Grace Adhiambo, who has carved her own path by earning international contracts in Japan and beyond. Yet she continues to answer the call of the Kenyan jersey. She stands alongside dozens of players representing local clubs and community teams, who prepare under challenging conditions but still match international sides with pride and passion.

Coaches as Catalysts for Change

At the grassroots level, DBA Academies are working to ensure gender equity in coaching, giving women access to roles that have traditionally been male dominated. For us, this isn’t just about sport. It’s about creating safe, empowering environments where young girls feel seen, heard, and inspired.

When a 14-year-old girl in Kakamega sees a female coach leading a rugby session with confidence and care, she isn’t just learning how to pass a ball. She’s learning that her future in sport doesn’t end with playing — it could mean coaching, refereeing, managing, or leading. And all those options are open to her.

From the Sidelines to the Spotlight

While the visibility of female coaches and players is growing, the support ecosystem must grow with it. Girls need access to travel, tournaments, and mentorship. Female coaches need structured pathways and funding to continue their development.

At DBA Africa, we’re committed to nurturing this pipeline through:

• Training more female coaches through accredited programmes
• Promoting visibility of women leaders across our platforms
• Supporting the career transition of former players into coaching and mentorship roles
• Partnering with local and international organisations to advance gender equity in sport

Real Role Models. Real Impact.

As the Kenya Lionesses climb new heights, and as DBA Africa continues to elevate female leaders in sport, one thing is clear: When women lead, girls rise.