A four day leadership workshop for women in martial arts opened in Kampala on Monday, bringing together 24 participants from 10 African countries for a program focused on skills development and continental cooperation.
The gathering at Hotel Africana is a joint effort between the African Women in Sports Initiative and UNESCOs International Centre of Martial Arts.
Organisers say the aim is to strengthen leadership among women involved in martial arts and to build a sustainable network that supports their growth across the continent.
Participants will take part in leadership sessions, practical martial arts work, and peer discussions through the week.
The program is designed to help the delegates share experiences from their home countries while learning new approaches to using sport as a driver for personal and community development.
Martial arts bodies involved in the workshop say the discipline has always offered more than physical training.
They point to its role in building confidence, resilience, and community ties. UNESCO ICM has positioned this workshop as part of wider efforts to give women a stronger voice in martial arts and to promote safer and more inclusive sporting spaces.
AWISI officials added that creating opportunities for women to lead within sport remains central to improving access and ensuring long term growth of martial arts across Africa.
