INDIA: IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT.
“If you can dream it, you can achieve it”
Thanks to:
Nasser Hussein
Former CEO India
- The history of the women’s movement in India
- Testimonials
- Reading time: 4 minutes
INDIA - Find out more
India is a federal republic in South Asia with approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants, slightly more women than men. Women hold approximately 14–15% of parliamentary seats, but a law passed in 2023 mandates a 33% share starting with the 2029 elections. Female labor force participation remains low (between 31% and 37%), with many women employed in informal or unpaid jobs. Over 23% of women between the ages of 20 and 24 were married before the age of 18. Gender inequalities remain wide, especially in the workplace and in politics.
(SOURCE: data.unwomen.org; World Bank Gender Data Portal; Reuters; Economic Times; AP News; PIB India; Al Jazeera)
HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY
1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is its history? How is rugby structured in your country?
Women’s rugby in India began in 2008. Women’s rugby in India began in 2008 with a small group of women and girls watching men’s matches. Fascinated by the game, they decided to try it themselves. In late 2008, a women’s Rugby 7s demonstration match was played during a national men’s Rugby 15s tournament. In mid-2009, a national women’s Rugby 7s event was held with approximately 6-8 teams. The most talented players were selected to participate in a training camp prior to the formation of the Indian women’s Rugby 7s team. The first Indian women’s Rugby 7s team participated in an Asian Women’s Rugby 7s tournament in Thailand in late 2009. Since then, women’s rugby has grown considerably, with national women’s Rugby 7s tournaments held annually and the Indian national team regularly participating in international Rugby 7s events. With growing interest, a national women’s Rugby Union tournament was also introduced in 2016, and in 2018, the first Indian women’s Rugby Union team took part in an Asian Rugby Union tournament in Singapore, where they played two test matches. In 2019, during the same Asian event, India made history by winning its first international match, defeating the top-ranked Singapore team.
Women’s rugby is played in all 28 states and union territories affiliated with Rugby India. Within each state and territory, there are multiple district and club teams. Additionally, rugby is included in the programs of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), where women’s rugby is a featured sport in their national events. Women’s rugby follows the exact same structure as men’s rugby and enjoys the same platforms and opportunities – there are no differences.
2. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for women in your country? What do you think rugby can offer women in your country?
Playing rugby undoubtedly has a positive social impact, for both men and women in India. The values conveyed through this sport are powerful and have been a catalyst for social transformation. The sport has instilled confidence in women in particular, allowing them to become role models and mentors within their communities. Rugby has broken down barriers and offered women in India a platform and an opportunity to emerge—to challenge the status quo and break stereotypes. Rugby has empowered women, allowing them to advance, fight for their rights, make their voices heard, and become active participants in society.
JOURNEYS THROUGH RUGBY
Watch the video interview to Nasser Hussein:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eUgHE8bkUA&t=315s