In a sport traditionally dominated by boys in her community, 16-year-old Amina is challenging the status quo, proving that girls, too, can excel in cycling. Once doubted by her own family, Amina has emerged as a rising star in the cycling scene, inspiring other young girls to chase their dreams, no matter what the barriers.
Writing this story, I found Amina and her mother, Beatrice, happily together, after Amina’s victory in winning a medal in the ‘Rwanda Youth Racing Cup,’ a cycling competition bringing together young talents.
Overcoming fear: The start of Amina’s cycling journey
Amina, the only daughter among her 2 brothers, was introduced to cycling at the age of 11 by her father. Although cycling was a popular activity in her local community, it remained largely male-dominated. Many girls hesitated to participate, often held back by cultural norms and self-doubt.
“At the beginning, I was afraid to compete with boys in cycling competitions. I even thought of quitting because it felt too difficult for me as a girl.”
Amina, 16
“At the beginning, I was afraid to compete with boys in cycling competitions. I even thought of quitting because it felt too difficult for me as a girl,” Amina recalls.
However, with time and experience, her mindset shifted. Amina joined the Bike for Future cycling team, which provides more opportunities for cycling training, access to competitive events and engages exceptional talents in different cycling competitions.
“The more I raced, the more I realised my potential. I kept competing, and each race built my confidence. Now, I believe I can beat anyone. This is my passion.”
Amina, 16
“The more I raced, the more I realised my potential. I kept competing, and each race built my confidence. Now, I believe I can beat anyone. This is my passion,” she shares.
Parental support: A mother’s change of heart
At first, Amina’s parents were skeptical about her involvement in professional cycling. Her mother, Beatrice, feared it would negatively impact her discipline and future prospects.
“I believed my daughter should focus only on school, and home activities. I was afraid cycling would distract her and expose her to tough situations she couldn’t handle,” Beatrice admits.
However, her perceptions changed when she saw Amina bringing home cycling medals.
“Seeing her succeed made me realise that she needed her parents’ full support. Cycling is not just a hobby for her. It is her passion and talent, and it can be a professional career too.”
Beatrice now encourages all parents to support their children’s aspirations.
“I advise parents to listen to their children’s dreams and guide them rather than dictate their futures. Supporting their ambitions will help them become confident and independent in deciding what they want their futures to be.”
Beatrice
“I advise parents to listen to their children’s dreams and guide them rather than dictate their futures. Supporting their ambitions will help them become confident and independent in deciding what they want their futures to be,” Beatrice urges.
Amina racing to top
From an uncertain beginning to standing atop podiums with medals in hand, Amina’s journey is a testament to the importance of parental support in shaping their children’s futures and the transformative impact of sport.
Joing a professional cycling team marked Amina’s breakthrough. There, she trains twice a week, honing her skills to become one of the team’s most dedicated cyclists. Today, she is among the key contenders preparing for the World Cycling Championship 2025, set to take place in Rwanda.
Her competitive journey has been marked by perseverance and victories, participating in 12 cycling competitions.
“Winning medals gave me the belief that I can become a future champion. Every race I enter sharpens my mindset and strengthens my determination.”
Amina
“Winning medals gave me the belief that I can become a future champion. Every race I enter sharpens my mindset and strengthens my determination,” Amina says.
During the Rwanda Youth Racing Cup, an initiative organised by the Rwanda Cycling Federation and various partners, Amina won 2 races in the under 17s category, becoming the overall champion.
This competition aims to nurture young talents from the grassroots. It aims to develop future cycling stars by offering early exposure and structured competitive opportunities.
A champion’s mindset: Advocating for girls in cycling
For Amina, cycling is not just about competing. It is about proving that girls deserve equal opportunities in sports.
“Girls need spaces to showcase their potential. Winning challenging cycling competitions has made me stronger, more hardworking, and determined. I dream of representing my country in international competitions to inspire more girls to follow their dreams.”
Amina
“Girls need spaces to showcase their potential. Winning challenging cycling competitions has made me stronger, more hardworking, and determined. I dream of representing my country in international competitions to inspire more girls to follow their dreams,” Amina states.
Through her participation, Amina hopes to encourage more girls to break free from societal limitations and showcase their hidden talents.
About the project
Amina is a participant in the “Bike for Future” project, which places a strong emphasis on empowering girls and young women. This project is implemented by Learn Work Develop Rwanda and sponsored by Plan International Belgium and Plan International Rwanda, extending its outreach to local communities in the Gatsibo and Bugesera Districts.
Through 4 pivotal goals, the project engages participants, 60% girls and 40% boys: to achieve economic empowerment through skills training and networks, empower girls and young women through the sports-for-change approach, challenge gender stereotypes with community support, and secure private sector commitment to engage youth in their respective sectors.
Girls and young women taking part in the project are mainly engaged in cycling sports, as well as vocational skills such as bicycle mechanics, welding, tailoring, and information, communication, and technology (ICT).
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