Ghana Rugby Launches ‘Empower Her’ Kayayei Programme to Promote Women’s Inclusion Through Sport
The Ghana Rugby Empower Her – Kayayei Programme is a flagship Sport for Development initiative by the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), created to empower women aged 18 and above through the transformative power of rugby.
Built on the pillars of dignity, opportunity, and inclusion, the programme uses rugby not just as a sport, but as a platform for confidence-building, life skills development, health education, and social integration — particularly for women who are often excluded from structured sporting opportunities.
Empower Her evolved from the success of Rugby Rising Play Ghana, GRFU’s grassroots initiative focused on teenage girls in underserved communities and schools. That programme combines menstrual health education, life skills training, and T1 Rugby (non-contact rugby) lessons. Empower Her represents the natural next step in this pathway, extending support from adolescence into adulthood.
Who Are the Kayayei?
In Ghana, Kayayei are women and young adult females who migrate mainly from the northern regions to major urban centres like Accra in search of economic opportunities. They work as head porters in busy markets, carrying heavy loads for minimal income under very challenging conditions.
Although they are known for their resilience and determination, Kayayei women often lack access to education, healthcare, and structured personal development opportunities. The Empower Her – Kayayei Programme intentionally includes them, using rugby as a tool for empowerment, dignity, and social inclusion.
Date and Venue
1st February 2026
Agbogbloshie Market – Yam Market, Accra
Engagement Highlights
The engagement began with introductions between Ghana Rugby representatives and leaders of the Kayayei Association.
The GRFU President, alongside programme directors Kalos and Samira, shared the vision of the Empower Her Programme. They highlighted that rugby offers pathways beyond playing, including opportunities to become match officials, coaches, volunteers, and administrators.
An open dialogue followed, where it was clarified that while rugby welcomes everyone, Rugby Rising and Empower Her intentionally prioritize women to address long-standing underrepresentation and promote equitable access to sport.
Rugby Exposure and Support
To introduce participants to the sport, rugby matches were screened on television, showcasing Ghana’s international participation and the excitement of the game. The screenings sparked curiosity and enthusiasm among the women.
As part of the programme’s holistic support approach, essential items such as washing powder and sanitary pads were distributed. In a touching gesture of appreciation, the Kayayei women presented tubers of yam to the GRFU team.
Practical T1 Rugby Session
The outreach concluded with a hands-on T1 Rugby session. Participants learned basic skills like passing and catching in a safe, non-contact environment. The session was filled with energy, teamwork, laughter, and a visible boost in confidence.
Conclusion
The Agbogbloshie outreach was both impactful and inspiring. Through Rugby Rising Ghana and the Empower Her – Kayayei Programme, the GRFU continues to broaden participation, strengthen inclusion, and position rugby as a powerful tool for empowerment and social development across Ghana.
