On Saturday, March 16, 2024, Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR) organized a vibrant celebration in honor of International Women’s Day (IWD), recognizing the incredible women of Rwanda and impacting the community through the unifying force of sports.

The event, held in Nyamirama Sector, Kayonza District, featured a range of activities including a 5 kilometer 'March for Gender Equality,' a thrilling basketball tournament, free health screenings, and community health and gender education.

In partnership with the District of Kayonza, Nyamirama Sector, Nyamirama Health Center, and Paper Crown Rwanda, STR’s largest annual event leveraged the power of basketball to support the development of healthier and more equitable communities in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. The event showcased Shooting Touch’s core objectives: increasing access to physical activity for youth and women, delivering vital health education and services at the community level, and advancing gender equality in rural areas.

This IWD Celebration built upon STR’s year-round sport-for-development programming, amplifying the positive effects of daily basketball training and health education, which creates lasting change for thousands of individuals.

Each year, Shooting Touch’s flagship event serves as a rallying point for people of all ages across Kayonza District to come together in celebration of women, to advocate for gender equality, and to stand against issues such as gender discrimination, gender-based violence (GBV), and harmful gender stereotypes.

Distinguished speakers, including representatives from the District of Kayonza and Paper Crown Rwanda, delivered insightful speeches on topics ranging from gender parity to health issues that disproportionately affect women in Rwanda, and how sports can be used as a tool to address these problems. Representatives from the Imbuto Foundation were also in attendance.

“Participating in a day like this makes us so happy - it shows everyone that there are many people who value gender equality,” said Beatrice Nyirajyambere, who represents the District of Kayonza on the National Women’s Council.

“We are grateful to our partners at Shooting Touch for helping us reach our goals for the development of this community, especially when it comes to serving women and youth.”

The IWD festivities began with a spirited 5km march, uniting the extended Shooting Touch community to enjoy physical activity and raise awareness about the importance of gender equality.

Participants of all genders and ages enthusiastically walked, sang, and danced through the streets of Nyamirama, accompanied by a group of talented female drummers from Rwinkwavu Sector.

Following the march, attention turned to the highly competitive 3-on-3 basketball tournament at STR’s Nyamirama court, featuring teams from four sectors in Kayonza District (Rwinkwavu, Rukara, Mukarange, and Nyamirama).

An audience of more than 1,000 community members witnessed the fierce competition, with Rukara Sector emerging victorious in the U18 Boys’ and U18 Girls’ Division titles. Mukarange Sector clinched the U13 Youth title, and Nyamirama Sector took home first place in the Women’s competition.

Additionally, STR coaches recognized four players with “Most Valuable Leader” awards for their outstanding leadership both on and off the court.

Throughout the event, all eligible adults in attendance were able to access free health screenings for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as well as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), delivered in partnership with Nyamirama Health Center. An estimated 200+ community members took advantage of these valuable health services.

“Ensuring access to free STI and NCD screenings at our event was crucial, particularly for women, who face a higher risk of contracting these diseases and infections,” said Christelle Umuhoza, STR’s In-Country Program Director.

“By working with the Nyamirama Health Center to provide these essential health services, we encourage women to take control of their health and seek timely interventions, ultimately improving their wellbeing and that of their communities.”

Shooting Touch Rwanda remains steadfast in its mission to utilize basketball as a catalyst for positive change in rural communities across Rwanda. With plans to extend its reach into new communities within Rwanda’s Eastern Province and beyond, STR was thrilled to gather partners and beneficiaries to demonstrate the efficacy of the organization’s model, which uses sport as a platform to build community trust and transform lives.

“When I’m with my neighbors, I try to encourage them to join Shooting Touch, because you don’t feel lonely after you join,” said Ntamukunzi Anonciathe, a 62-year-old woman who participates in STR’s daily programming in Nyamirama.

“Shooting Touch has taught us a lot of things - how to protect ourselves from diseases, how to help each other by working as a team. They even help us access health services, like screenings and insurance. We’re really grateful for this community and all the support.”

About Shooting Touch

Shooting Touch is an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, whose mission is to use the mobilizing power of basketball to bridge health and opportunity gaps for youth and women facing racial, gender, and economic inequalities.

Since launching Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR) in 2012, Shooting Touch has continued to expand its reach in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, now operating programs in six sectors within the Districts of Kayonza and Bugesera.

STR focuses on providing access to basketball for youth and women, while working to improve public health and gender equality in rural communities. To learn more about Shooting Touch Rwanda or to learn how to get involved.

Event in pictures