AFBD Expands Its Impact in Advancing Women’s Leadership Through Sports

Over 200 girls join in the sporting jamboree in UDs

The Association of Former Women Basketball Players and Leaders (AFBD) is strengthening its influence across Africa and on the global stage, driven by a clear mission: to empower young girls through sport and transform them into the leaders of tomorrow. Through its recent programme on the campus of the University of Dschang in high-level sporting jamboree with over 200 female participants ranging from 5 -10years and above, AFBD once again demonstrated the relevance of its vision and the strength of its action-oriented approach.

A Voice for Change Through Sport

The President of AFBD, Marie Chantal Zeh Nko’o (née Biyiha during a brief interview, shared not only her personal journey but also the story behind the creation of AFBD—an initiative born from the desire of former basketball players to give back to the sport that shaped their lives. She emphasized the association’s core mission: to make young girls today the leaders of tomorrow bringing together women from diverse backgrounds and generations united by a shared passion for basketball and a commitment to social impact. Through a deliberate approach of positive action, the association focuses its efforts on empowering young girls, equipping them with confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.

Today, the movement has already impacted over 200 young girls, supported by strong community involvement, including parents who play a key role in reinforcing values at home. At the Dschang sports complex trainers were seen guiding the girls to fundamental basketball drills among other sporting trends

AFBD’s approach goes beyond sport. The association strongly believes that true empowerment lies at the intersection of education, family, and community.  By actively involving parents and communities, AFBD ensures that the values taught on the court respect, discipline, and leadership are sustained in everyday life. As the President emphasized, education starts at home, and lasting impact can only be achieved when families are fully engaged in the development of young girls.

Expanding Horizons and Building the Future

With a national ambition, AFBD is progressively extending its activities to other regions, including the West and South of Cameroon, with plans to reach even more communities across the country. A key part of its long-term vision is the creation of a dedicated center and basketball academy. This facility will include: A basketball court, a clubhouse, Training and learning spaces ,access to experts from various fields/ The goal is to provide young girls with both athletic training and broader life skills, creating a holistic development environment.

AFBD’s growing visibility has already led to significant achievements:

Stronger positioning within the African Women & Sport network;

Increased international recognition of its grassroots initiatives;

Official registration with the Global Observatory for Gender Equality in Sport;

New partnership opportunities at continental and global levels.

The association has also participated in international forums such as the Women and Leadership in Sport platform, further strengthening its global engagement.

A Call for Partnership

To bring its vision to life particularly the construction of a training center and academy AFBD is calling on partners and donors to support its mission. The association firmly believes that while it has made significant progress, greater impact can only be achieved through collaboration. As highlighted by its leadership: “If we go alone, we go fast. But together, we go further.”