“Coming from a background where women in rugby were largely underrepresented, I’ve made it my mission to break down barriers and create pathways for more women to thrive—not just as players, but as referees, coaches, and leaders.”

Meet Peris M., a certified World Rugby licensed Trainer (the first in Kenya) and Educator (the first female in Kenya), with over 15 years of experience as a Level 2 Rugby Referee. Nominated as one of Africa’s leading women referees by the Confederation of African Rugby in 2014, she has officiated at the HSBC Women’s 7s Series in Dubai. As a World Rugby Executive Leadership Scholar, Peris serves as a Rugby Africa Referee Committee Member and is an active member of the NOC-Kenya Gender Commission. Currently, she is the Honorary Treasurer and Director of Women's Rugby at Kenya Harlequin Rugby Football Club, where she is dedicated to growing the women’s game.

PERIS’S REMARKABLE WORK IN RUGBY

“Receiving the World Rugby Executive Leadership Scholar award in 2020, being named among Kenya's Top 40 Under 40 Women in 2021, and serving as a member of the Rugby Africa Referee Committee, have all reinforced my drive to champion women's involvement in the sport. I was also privileged to serve as the first elected Honorary Treasurer for the Kenya Harlequin Rugby Football Club, the second oldest club in Kenya, which has provided a platform for fostering gender equity in rugby leadership.

One of my proudest accomplishments was developing a plan to grow the number of women match officials, which took three years to execute and resulted in the highest number of women officials ever seen in the National Sevens Circuit. As the former Director of Women's Rugby, and now a World Rugby Trainer, I’ve remained committed to advancing opportunities for women in all areas of the sport. “

ENSURING DIVERSE REPRESENTATION IN SPORT ORGANISATIONS

“Sports organisations can ensure more diverse representation in their decision-making processes by adopting several key strategies:

1. Commit to Inclusivity from the Top: Leadership must set the tone for diversity and the right inclusion by actively promoting these values within the organisation. This can include setting diversity targets or policies that reflect a commitment to gender, racial, and cultural representation at all levels of decision-making.

2. Implement Structured Recruitment Practices: Organisations should review and revise their recruitment and selection processes to eliminate bias and ensure equal opportunity for underrepresented groups. This includes diversifying candidate pools and considering non-traditional backgrounds for leadership roles.

3. Create Pathways for Leadership Development: To foster diverse leadership, organisations should provide mentorship, training, and leadership programs specifically designed for women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups. This helps equip them with the skills and confidence needed to assume decision-making roles.

4. Ensure Diverse Committees and Boards: Sports organisations can institutionalise diversity by mandating representation of different genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds on their boards and committees. Having a variety of perspectives leads to more well-rounded decision-making.

5. Support a Culture of Inclusion: Beyond representation, it’s critical to create an environment where diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued. Encourage open dialogue and ensure all team members, regardless of background, feel they have a seat at the table and the ability to influence decisions.

6. Regularly Review Progress: Organisations should periodically assess their diversity and inclusion efforts through audits, feedback from staff and stakeholders, and transparency in reporting progress toward diversity goals. Continuous improvement is key to sustained change.

By intentionally embedding diversity into their structures and culture, sports organisations will benefit from richer perspectives, better decision-making, and a more inclusive industry.”

SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES IN CHANGING SPORT GOVERNANCE

“One of the key initiatives I’ve been involved with that has significantly contributed to changing sport governance is the establishment of a dedicated women’s rugby panel within the Kenya Rugby Referees Association (KRRA). This initiative has been a crucial step toward getting more women to officiate rugby matches, addressing both gender imbalance and the need for a more inclusive and diverse officiating pool in the sport.

The creation of this panel came after 3-4 years of concerted efforts to encourage and support women in the rugby refereeing space.Prior to this, there was a noticeable gap in the representation of women in officiating roles, which not only limited opportunities for women but also hindered the sport’s growth and diversity. Setting up this panel has opened doors for many women who are now actively engaged in officiating at various levels of competition, from local leagues to national tournaments.

This initiative has demonstrated the importance of targeted policies that provide women with the tools, training, and opportunities necessary to succeed. By establishing the women’s rugby panel, we’ve created a structured pathway for women to gain experience, improve their skills, and move up in their officiating careers. In addition, it has challenged the traditional norms that saw rugby officiating as a male-dominated area, helping to normalise the presence of women on the field in a governance capacity.

This initiative has been a crucial step toward getting more women to officiate rugby matches, addressing both gender imbalance and meeting the need for a more inclusive and diverse officiating pool in the sport.”

NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF SPORT GOVERNANCE

“Navigating the complexities of sport governance in rugby, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated space, requires a mix of strategic persistence, advocacy, and relationship-building. As the Director of Rugby at Kenya Harlequin Rugby Football Club and Honorary Treasurer, I focus on pushing for equity by ensuring that both the men’s and women’s teams receive the support. This involves making sure that funding, resources, and development opportunities are distributed fairly, and that women’s rugby is seen as an integral part of the sport’s future, not an afterthought.

In my role, I constantly advocate for inclusive policies and challenge long-standing views that may undermine women's involvement in the sport. I push for meaningful representation and collaboration at the decision-making level, helping shift perceptions and demonstrate the value of investing in women’s rugby.

As a World Rugby Trainer, I also focus on building a pipeline of talented women athletes, coaches, and match officials. This involves a deliberate process of skill development, mentoring, and ensuring women have the time and space to grow within the sport without being rushed or overlooked. It’s not just about bridging the gap, but about fostering long-term development and creating a system where women are fully equipped to thrive in all facets of rugby.

Through persistence and collaboration with like-minded individuals, I aim to create a culture that values equity and recognises the potential of women in rugby, driving the sport towards a more inclusive future.”