African Tennis Confederation elect two female members to new board
The African Tennis Confederation’s (CAT) 50th Elective General Assembly (AGM), held in Nairobi, Kenya at the end of October, saw an historic moment for gender equality in tennis in the region. In a significant move that aligns with the ITF’s gender equality strategy, Advantage All, two female representatives were elected to the new board for the first time in CAT’s history.
In 2022, the CAT AGM voted to introduce a new female representative role on the board. At this year’s elections, Fatime Kante (Seychelles), an Advantage All leadership member was elected as the Women’s Representative, alongside Wanjii Karani (Kenya), who was elected Zone 4 President. The election results have made a significant contribution to the ITF’s commitment to increasing female representation in governing and leadership roles in tennis.
Women’s Representative, Fatime Kante is an accomplished multilingual tennis enthusiast who has excelled as a player, promoter, and educator across the sport. She served on the Seychelles Tennis Associations Committee for a decade before being elected as President from 2019-2023. Fatime is actively involved in promoting gender equality in tennis, serving on various commissions, including the ITF’s Gender Equality Advantage All commission and member of the National Olympic Committees of Africa.
President of Zone IV, Wanjii Karani is a prominent figure in Kenyan tennis, who envisions a collaborative future for Zone IV. She has served as Tennis Kenya’s Secretary General, representing Kenya in international play, alongside directing prestigious tournaments such as the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge. She is also a strong advocate for gender equity, earning her a well-deserved Lifetime Award, through demonstrating her commitment to tennis’ growth and development in Kenya.
ITF’s Advantage All, launched in 2018, aims to promote gender equality in tennis with a goal of 30% female board members in regional associations by 2024. The ultimate objective is a balanced and inclusive tennis environment on and off the court, benefiting all. National and regional associations are strongly encouraged to embrace this initiative and develop their gender equality strategies.
The CAT AGM set a participant record, with 61 delegates representing 38 National Member Federations in attendance. ITF President, David Haggerty, was also in attendance.
The AGM witnessed a highly competitive presidential election, featuring three prominent candidates competing for the top position. Following a closely monitored electoral procedure, Mr. Jean-Claude Talon of Benin triumphed, securing the prestigious role as the 9th President of CAT, succeeding the currently Tunisian President, Mr Tarak Cherif. Additional roles within CAT’s Executive Committee and the representation of African zones were also appointed:
- Jean-Claude Talon (Benin): President
- Fatime Kanté (Seychelles): CAT Women Representative
- Abdelaziz Laarraf (Morocco): Vice President, President of Zone I (Northern Africa)
- Ifedayo Akindoju (Nigeria): Vice President, President of Zone II (Western Africa)
- Germain Ickonga Akindou (Congo): Vice President, President of Zone III (Central Africa)
- Wanjiru Mbugua Karani (Kenya): Vice President, President of Zone IV (Eastern Africa)
- Jonas Alberto Junior (Mozambique): Vice President, President of Zone V (Southern Africa)
This significant election marks a pivotal juncture in the advancement of tennis in Africa, underscoring CAT’s dedication to fostering the sport throughout the continent and creating a more inclusive and gender-balanced environment within leadership positions.
ITF President, David Haggerty said: “In the game of tennis, the Advantage All strategy symbolises our unwavering commitment to levelling the court and championing gender equality. It is truly inspirational to see nations obtain this significant stride toward balance and it is remarkable to witness more female leaders in key roles, both on and off the court. The Confederation of Africa’s AGM election is a huge momentous juncture, highlighting CAT’s dedication to an inclusive and gender balanced tennis landscape across the continent. We recognize the huge importance of female voices in decision-making, empowering others and ensuring a brighter future for women in our sport to obtain an advantage for all.”
CAT’s Women Representative, Fatime Kante said: “Through strength, resilience, and a shared vision, we as women have humbly carved the path towards success, shattering glass ceilings and proving that our voices belong at the forefront of leadership. As we take our seats on the CAT Executive Committee Board, we ignite the flames of change, inspiring generations to come. May our triumphs serve as a testament to the limitless potential that lies within every woman.”
Vice President, President of Zone IV (Eastern Africa), Wanjii Karani said: “The outcome of the AGM has brought a new dawn to African tennis. I am extremely excited to be the first female president of Zone 4 and my dedicated passion for the game, means I am the right person for this job. Africa has so much potential, and I am eager to sit down with other countries to be able to find out what challenges they face and how we can help them. It was a great honour to have ITF President, Mr David Haggerty at the AGM, his presence significantly lifted the profile of the conference. The lesson I would like to share with all women is "it can be done!" Give those leadership positions a try. Remember what Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said, ‘if our dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough’.”