Hosted by Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR) in collaboration with the District of Kayonza, the event brought together youth, women, and men to support women’s rights and freedoms.

Under the theme, "For all women and girls: rights. equality. empowerment," the celebrations included a series of activities designed to empower women and girls. The event kicked off with a powerful march for equality, which saw more than 500 participants take to the streets in solidarity for gender equity.

This march was followed by thrilling 3v3 basketball competitions, showcasing top youth and women athletes from four sectors in Kayonza District. The basketball matches allowed women athletes to display their skills and challenge the stereotypes surrounding women in sports. The competition winners were Rwinkwavu (U13 Youth), Mukarange (U18 Boys), Rukara (U18 Girls), and Rwinkwavu (Women’s).

But the event went beyond just sports. In partnership with the Nyamirama Health Center, Shooting Touch Rwanda offered free health services to the community, including screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV.

A total of 220 community members received these essential health services, furthering STR’s commitment to improving public health, especially among women and girls. The health screenings played a vital role in raising awareness about disease prevention and gave participants the opportunity to learn more about maintaining their health.

Distinguished speakers from various sectors, including government officials, local leaders, and STR representatives, addressed the crowd on the importance of gender equality, health, and physical activity.

Jean Damascene Harerimana, the Vice Mayor of Kayonza District, praised the role of sport in improving health. "Sports are crucial for health. Sport is a vaccine for a wide range of diseases. Health screenings provided today help people know their health status and adopt preventive measures to protect their health,” he said.

The event also highlighted the disparities women face in terms of healthcare access and societal constraints. It was a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to ensure women and girls can fully access opportunities in health, education, and sports.

STR’s efforts align with Rwanda’s National prevention plan, which seeks to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by 25% by 2025. The plan’s focus on encouraging physical activity among women is critical, as only 57.6% of women participate in adequate physical activity compared to 65.8% of men.

STR’s basketball programming plays a crucial role in narrowing this gap, offering a safe and supportive space for women and girls to engage in sports and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Aline Muhawenimana, a Shooting Touch player from Mukarange, shared her experience. "The free screening Shooting Touch provided today helped me determine my health status. I was informed about healthy habits to maintain my health. As a mother of four, I have learned that I need to keep doing sports to live longer,” she said.

Shooting Touch Rwanda continues to make a significant impact in Rwanda’s Eastern Province by offering basketball programs, public health education, and gender equity initiatives in underserved communities.

Through initiatives like the International Women’s Day celebration, STR encourages women and girls to take charge of their health, challenge gender biases, and inspire future generations to break through societal barriers.

The event demonstrated that sports can serve as a powerful tool for social change, bringing together people of all genders to fight for equality. As STR’s programs grow, so does the hope that gender equality and improved health outcomes will become a reality for all Rwandan women and girls.