Reaching out to Africa
Uganda Gymnastics Federation was represented at the African Women in Sports Summit by President Harriet Ayaa and Vice President Sauda Kayima. This prestigious event took place on 26 November 2025 at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Uganda.
This vital forum is igniting urgent solution-oriented dialogue to accelerate action against gender-based violence and drive efforts to true gender equality in African Sports. Our participation shows our commitment to a safer, more inclusive future for every woman and girl in sports.
Background to the African Women in Sports Summit
What is African Women in Sports Initiative [AWISI]?
The African Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) is a pan-African, non-profit organization headquartered in Uganda, committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women and girls across the sports landscape. With an expanding network of over 700 women in 30 African countries, AWISI champions gender equity, innovation, leadership, and sustainable economic development in the sports sector.
The African Women's Summit 2025
The Summit, hosted by AWISI, UN Women and Sportlight Initiatives, took place from 26th to 28th November 2025 at the Africana Hotel, Kampala, Uganda. This year’s theme, “Uniting to Amplify, Advance and Safeguard Women in Sport,” Is aligned with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. It emphasizes AWISI’s determination to spark crucial, discussions and transformative action within African sports. Amongst the countries represented were Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Gambia.
Key Takeaways
As Vice President of the Uganda Gymnastics Federation (UGF), attending the African Women in Sports Summit was a transformative experience. The summit focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and Safe Sport practices, offering practical strategies to protect athletes and promote equality. The summit also opened doors for collaboration in policy alignment, capacity building, joint campaigns, resource mobilization, and monitoring. As women leaders in African Sports we were encouraged to:
- * Create a link & database for reporting mechanisms and take action.
- * Use our power, presence to make the right decisions towards creating safe sports
UGF Action to be taken
- * Strengthen Policy Implementation: UGF will enforce its safeguarding policy and ensure all stakeholders sign a Code of Conduct.
- * Education & Training: Mandatory GBV awareness and gender-sensitivity workshops for coaches, athletes, and administrative staff.
- * Reporting & Support: Develop anonymous reporting channels, recruit a Safeguarding Officer, and establish partnerships for counseling and legal aid.
- * Athlete Empowerment: Carry out rights awareness campaigns, encourage athletes to speak up in the event of violation and create mentorship programs for young gymnasts
- * Accountability: Establish an independent review committee, perform regular safeguarding audits, and enforce public sanctions.
- * Community Engagement: Involve parents and develop intentional leadership pathways for women
Conclusion
UGF is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all athletes. Together, we can change the narrative and make gymnastics in Uganda a model for gender equality and athlete protection. Attending the African Women in Sport Summit, I reinforced my belief that we must be intentional about Safe Sport.
Prepared by Sauda Kayima, Vice President, Uganda Gymnastics Federation
If you would like more information, please contact UGF via our email info@ugandagymnasticsfederation.com or let’s chat on our social media channels.