Celebrating women in rugby – special podcast for International Women’s Day 2025

This International Women’s Day, ChildFund Rugby is launching a powerful podcast episode on how sport for development approaches in rugby are opening up opportunities for women, young people, and communities worldwide.

In this episode, guests dive into how rugby is being used to teach essential life skills, promote gender equality, and create leadership opportunities for young women – including in disaster-affected communities and those in vulnerable situations.

Meet our speakers:

Ada Milby – A trailblazer in rugby, Ada is the first female member of the World Rugby Council. As President of PRFU and one of only a few female World Rugby Master Trainers, she is driving change at all levels of the game - strengthening grassroots pathways, and bringing key insights shaping the sport’s future. Her leadership continues to inspire and open doors for the next generation.
Acee San Juan – Since 2017, Acee played a key role in driving Pass It Back forward as Head of Rugby for PRFU, helping expand work to three areas of the Philippines. In 2021, she co-founded Grassroots to Global alongside colleagues at Lao Rugby, and continues today to inspire change across refereeing, coaching and more.
Hatice Kübra Yılmaz – A key leader bringing Grassroots to Global to Türkiye, Hatice played a crucial role in launching Pass It Back in Adıyaman in response to the earthquakes of 2023. Now pursuing her PhD, she is working on deeper research about women’s leadership in sport including advancing social inclusion, and creating opportunities for all through rugby.

These three women have been recognised as Capgemini Women in Rugby Scholars for their outstanding leadership in rugby for development.

Why you should watch this?

Learn how rugby is breaking barriers for women in sport
Hear inspiring stories from leaders transforming their communities
Discover how Grassroots to Global and Pass It Back are making rugby more inclusive
Gain insights into the power of sport in disaster recovery and youth leadership

This episode is a must-listen for rugby fans, gender equality advocates, youth development professionals, and anyone passionate about sport as a tool for social change.

Watch to the full podcast episode below.

Meet our speakers:

Ada Milby – A trailblazer in rugby, Ada is the first female member of the World Rugby Council. As President of PRFU and one of only a few female World Rugby Master Trainers, she is driving change at all levels of the game - strengthening grassroots pathways, and bringing key insights shaping the sport’s future. Her leadership continues to inspire and open doors for the next generation.
Acee San Juan – Since 2017, Acee played a key role in driving Pass It Back forward as Head of Rugby for PRFU, helping expand work to three areas of the Philippines. In 2021, she co-founded Grassroots to Global alongside colleagues at Lao Rugby, and continues today to inspire change across refereeing, coaching and more.
Hatice Kübra Yılmaz – A key leader bringing Grassroots to Global to Türkiye, Hatice played a crucial role in launching Pass It Back in Adıyaman in response to the earthquakes of 2023. Now pursuing her PhD, she is working on deeper research about women’s leadership in sport including advancing social inclusion, and creating opportunities for all through rugby.

These three women have been recognised as Capgemini Women in Rugby Scholars for their outstanding leadership in rugby for development.

Why you should watch this?

Learn how rugby is breaking barriers for women in sport
Hear inspiring stories from leaders transforming their communities
Discover how Grassroots to Global and Pass It Back are making rugby more inclusive
Gain insights into the power of sport in disaster recovery and youth leadership

This episode is a must-listen for rugby fans, gender equality advocates, youth development professionals, and anyone passionate about sport as a tool for social change.

Watch to the full podcast episode below.