Rwanda is at the epicenter of basketball in Africa, anyone connected to it cannot deny the fact that the country is at a pivotal moment for African basketball.
This is backed by a President with a unique adoration for the game of basketball and a clear understanding of what it can do for a country.
Meanwhile, it’s evident that a big percentage of Rwanda’s population lives in rural communities outside of Kigali.
In order to effectively expand access to basketball in Rwanda, Shooting Touch (Rwanda Program), a global sport-for-development organization is focusing its efforts on those living in villages, to help residents not only to be involved in basketball as a game but also help to promote health, gender equality, and education.
Women pose for a group photo,most of them are not only benefiting from just playing basketball,but also get other support like health insurance. All photos: Courtesy.
The organisation’s 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.
Patience Nyiraneza, a basketball player from Rwinkwavu sector, Kayonza District says when she started playing basketball in 2016, she was shy.
In the beginning, she would also experience severe muscle pain because of her body being physically inactive for long, she was also at risk of high blood pressure due to the sedentary life she was exposed to.
"Joining basketball saved me from all these, despite being a mother, I am physically fit and at the same time, not at risk of getting non-communicable diseases,” she says.
Socially, she says she is able to interact well with others, thanks to the skills offered to them by the program.
14-year-old Diane Mutoni poses for a photo with a basketball. Youth are also taken through education on gender equality on top of basketball skills they get.
She is also thankful that her spouse, after realizing the potential she has in basketball, was motivated to start helping out on some chores, which is all about gender equality.
Dinah Irasubiza, from Mayange sector Bugesera district says as a woman and a mother, it is a norm for a woman to experience certain health issues because of giving birth and other domestic work they carry out at home
Besides, she narrates that experiencing family issues such as violence against women was not a big deal and she never had an issue with it whether it was happening to her or other victims.
At the moment, she says that this is now history as she is aware of what is supposed to be done in case there are cases of gender inequality.
Women playing in a tournament at the 2022 International Women’s Day event organized by Shooting Touch.
Bosco Kwizera, from Mukarange sector, Kayonza is now equipped with skills in basketball, as well as he is aware that irrespective of your gender, you have equal rights to say no to anything that brings them down as a woman.
"Before, I thought basketball was a tough game and that girls couldn’t play, but now I am aware that girls are capable and I am proud when I see them competing with determination and confidence.” He says.
He notes that paying Mutuelle for nine people in his family was a huge struggle, yet by playing basketball, all his family is covered when it comes to health.
Growing the game of basketball in Rwanda
Christelle Umuhoza, Shooting Touch in-Country Program Director believes that women and girls are natural leaders - on the court and in their homes, communities, and workplaces.
"We are inspiring our females and others to become the best leaders they can be, and to lift up others around them, thanks to the BAL for believing in women and girls as much as we do.” She says.
Clementine Nyirarukundo, Programs & Partnerships Manager at Paper Crown Rwanda (a local organisation that provides gender education to Shooting Touch participants says Sport can be used to break the bias.
"It’s not common in a Rwanda community to see women participating in sport, especially basketball. I am glad we are on this journey together to break those biases using sport,” she says.
Meanwhile, Chloe Rothman, Director of Programming at Shooting Touch says they use the platform of basketball to bring people together and promote community health and well-being.
"I just want everyone out there to remember that there is a space for women and girls, not only in sports but also in every leadership position in life, whether that’s in the home, in the community. We can make gender equality a reality in Rwanda,” she says.
Meanwhile, Shooting Touch has been running the largest youth basketball organisation in Rwanda for over 12 years. With goals that align with those of NBA Africa and the (BAL - a) grow the game, bring gender equity to the forefront, and help the lives of millions beyond the basketball court.