SWB Uganda’s Masika Munoya Featured by the U.S. State Department Foreign Policy Classroom

Photo from @RachelEClement on Twitter; https://tinyurl.com/2rubt77m

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues and the Bureau of Global Public Affairs hosted a virtual Foreign Policy Classroom Event. This special event provided the opportunity and platform for girls from lower- and middle-income countries most affected by U.S. foreign policy to speak directly with U.S. government leaders who are committed to their empowerment, leadership, and to addressing their most pressing concerns.

Soccer Without Borders Uganda’s very own Coach Masika Munoya–because of her amazing efforts as a passionate and hardworking advocate in her community and as a positive role model for SWB’s refugee girls–was selected to participate as a panelist for the event.

Coach Masika had the opportunity to urge the leaders and policymakers in attendance, (including the Senior Official to the Secretary of State in the Office of Global Women’s Issues, Katrina Fotovat) to consider the role of sports as an integral tool for advancing gender equality and girls' leadership around the world.

A behind the scenes perspective of Coach Masika’s presentation at the Foreign Policy Classroom Event.

“Through sports, I'm able to lead,” shared Coach Masika, “I've learned how to use my voice as well to know my rights. I would like to see more girls taking the lead in sports as well by promoting girls education– especially to the refugee girls like me–because we have limited opportunities to get an education.”

Coach Masika’s participation in the virtual Foreign Policy Classroom Event was a testament to the impact that sports can have on young people's lives, particularly refugee and newcomer girls. Her insights and own experiences highlighted the importance of providing girls with access to safe spaces, education, and opportunities for leadership and community engagement.

View the introductory video that Coach Masika shared for the event.

For more information about the event, and to watch the event recording in its entirety, visit the Bureau of Global Public affairs website.