Female Inspiration Through Rugby in Zimbabwe resources

From 2016 The Atlas Foundation have been supporting Tag Rugby Trust (TRT) in a joint venture with Inspiring Women (I.W.). The initiative is known as FITR – Female Inspiration Through Rugby.

The programme aims to provide positive personal, social and developmental opportunities, activities and support to young women and girls aged 13-18 in Zimbabwe. 

By introducing Tag Rugby, girls are inspired to play sport and to establish strong supportive team bonds. The confidence this gives them allows them to take on board the additional teaching of the programme, specifically in sexual health and careers guidance, and to share this knowledge when back in their communities. In turn, this plays a part in reducing teenage pregnancy, HIV, and school drop out. It also increases the potential for girls to get better jobs and have healthier futures.

In 2016, former England Rugby Captain Catherine Spencer – Atlas Foundation Champion, and founder of I.W. – travelled to Harare in Zimbabwe. She spent a week with the TRT Zimbabwe staff, and volunteers, who had been putting in the groundwork for the launch of the FITR programme.