Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation have finalised the four representatives for the Guardian Girls Karate Instructors’ Course scheduled for November 19-20 in Harare.
The course is a World Karate Federation-led programme held in partnership with UNFPA.
ZNKF will have four participants — Natalie Toweel, Chipo Mashingaidze, Monica Peters and Hazel Chirima.
ZNKF president Joe Rugwete said they selected the representatives from three provinces guided by the selection criteria from WKF.
“We selected from three provinces, Masvingo (Monica), Midlands (Hazel), and Harare (Chipo and Natalie).
“The Guardian Girls Karate programme is an incredibly important initiative for Zimbabwe because it directly addresses one of our country’s and the world’s most pressing social issues, gender-based violence (GBV), through the powerful platform of sport,” said Rugwete.
Participants should be over 18, second dan black belt holders with a valid national federation licence and have experience in women’s self-defence training.
Each National Federation in Africa may nominate one female candidate. But Zimbabwe being the hosts, have been given more slots.
“For Zimbabwe, the programme goes beyond self-defence training. It strengthens the link between sport and social development, promoting gender equality in line with our national policies and Vision 2030 goals,” said Rugwete.
“It provides a safe and practical way to teach resilience, discipline and self-worth, particularly for young women who may not otherwise have access to empowerment spaces.
“By hosting the launch of the programme, Zimbabwe is taking a leading role in Africa in advancing the rights and safety of women through sport.”
Toweel said she is looking forward to the course.
“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be one of the four instructors selected to participate in the Guardian Girls Karate Course,” said Toweel.
“People often get into karate for the discipline side of it or for a full-body workout or even to do competition karate.
“I started doing karate so that I had a practical, useful sport that would help me in life and I am hoping that this course will help teach me so much more,” said Toweel.
