On 8th March the global community celebrated International Women's Day. Commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation along with the women's rights movement, IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. The judo family was fully committed to celebrating the day and several initiatives were launched across the world. Mantapala Refugee camp staged one of them.

The Judo for Peace programme is already well established in Zambia, with the presence of judo in two refugee camps (Meheba and Mayukwayukwa). It was further strengthened in August 2024 with the launch of activities in the Mantapala camp in the Nchelenge district, Luapula province.

Thus, in 2025, the Mantapala Judo for Peace programme joined the International Women’s Day celebrations with a special showcase honouring women’s strength and resilience. The event featured team-matching, a tree-planting ceremony and an exciting judo demonstration by junior judoka from Mantapala Refugee Camp.

The tree planting symbolises growth and unity, while the judo displays highlighted discipline, respect and perseverance. As part of the International Judo Federation’s Judo for Peace initiative, the programme empowers young refugees and local youth through sport.

This celebration was a powerful reminder of judo’s role in promoting gender equality, confidence and community spirit among women and girls.

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