GGK Reception at Japan Ambassador’s Residence in Harare
The ceremony was led by World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós and Yokotani Kaoru, Chargés d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan to Zimbabwe. They were joined by senior representatives from the international and national sports community, including Joe Rugwete, President of the Zimbabwe National Karate Federation (ZNKF); Souleymane Gaye, President of the African Karate Federation and member of the WKF Executive Committee; WKF CEO Sara Wolff; Thabani Gonye, President of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee; Nia Lyte, President of the Guardian Girls International (GGI); and Miranda Tabifor, UNFPA Representative.
As part of the reception, GGI President Nia Lyte gave the presentation about the Guardian Girls Karate project to the audience, followed by the official signing of the agreement between the World Karate Federation and the Zimbabwe National Karate Federation, formally launching the Guardian Girls Karate programme in Zimbabwe. The agreement was signed by WKF President Antonio Espinós and ZNKF President Joe Rugwete, confirming the commitment of both organizations to expand the initiative to local communities across the country.
Following the signing ceremony, a live demonstration of the Guardian Girls Karate methodology was conducted. The session was led by WKF instructor Carol Grogan, who presented a selection of the programme’s core self-protection techniques that will be taught to girls and young women throughout Zimbabwe and the African continent.
In his remarks, WKF President Antonio Espinós expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of Japan to Zimbabwe for its continued and strong support of the programme.
“The involvement of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) continues to be central to the programme’s growth worldwide. MOFA has accompanied us from the very beginning, and the Ministry’s support has been one of the key elements behind the success of this initiative. Guardian Girls Karate is a core component of the WKF’s strategic vision, and it is a source of pride to see the project launched in Zimbabwe and on the African continent. I would like to commend President Joe Rugwete and African Karate Federation President Souleymane Gaye for their leadership in bringing this initiative to life.”
The launch in Harare represents a significant milestone in the expansion of Guardian Girls Karate and further strengthens cooperation among global karate institutions, national sports bodies, and international partners committed to promoting empowerment and protection for women and girls.