World Rugby reaffirms its investment in women involved, in particular in managerial positions. This is through its Women’s Executive Leadership Fellowship program. Thus, the body rewards the commitment of twelve ladies across the world including two Africans. They are, in fact, the Kenyan Peris Mukoko and the Zimbabwean Abigail Mnikwa, who will each receive £ 10,000 (7.6 million FCFA).

The World Rugby program directly helps develop inspiring leadership on and off the pitch. This is part of World Rugby’s strategic plan to accelerate the global development of women in rugby, 2017-25. Recipients then benefit from informal mentoring. And, they are connected with inspiring leaders, men and women, from the great global rugby family.

” Each scholarship will be tailor-made to meet the needs of successful candidates in terms of professional development ,” said Rugby Africa in a press release. The scholarships are intended for women currently in a governance role in rugby. Such as a member of a Board of Directors of a Federation / region). Or those currently occupying a leadership role in rugby (reporting to the CEO from the 3rd hierarchical level). Even women with leadership potential. ”

Passionate people who bring rugby to life

The reputation of the winners within the local rugby of their respective country is beyond doubt. Indeed, Peris Mukoko from Kenya and Abigail Mnikwa from Zimbabwe proudly lead women in their passion .

Mukoko currently sits on the Kenya Rugby Union board. But above all, she is an official certified trainer of World Rugby (first woman in Kenya and third in Africa). Unstoppable Ambassador of Rugby Africa (2020), she has also been an active level 2 rugby referee since 2008. Recently appointed interim representative of the referees by the Rugby Africa referees commission, Mukoko therefore has the profile.

“ Administering the proposed program for young girls will be a challenge for me (…). I hope to gain a better understanding of amateur rugby in Kenya by traveling. Because the proposed program targets regions outside Nairobi, ”says Peris Mukoko, among others.

Abigail Mnikwa also works for the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU). For 14 years, she has been working there as a physiotherapist and sports leader. A board member of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Mnikwa is also the President of Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby. Moreover, Abigail presides over the destinies of the ZRU Covid-19 rescue committee and is a caregiver of World Rugby.

Recently, Mnikwa joined the Rugby Africa Women’s Rugby Advisory Sub-Committee for leadership, training and conferences. “ I remain focused on raising the bar for women in rugby and amplifying the medical brotherhood of rugby, ” smiles Mnikwa.

World Rugby has invested £ 490,000 (375.7 FCFA) in Executive Leadership Fellowships since the program’s inception in 2018. And 37 recipients from around the world are already receiving scholarships.