CREDIT: KTPRESS

Rwandan International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) referee, Salima Rhadia Mukansanga, has been listed among the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) 100 Women 2022 to watch out for in the year.

Mukansanga, 34, born in Rusizi district in western Rwanda, appeared on the list that the BBC revealed on December 6, 2022 including 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2022.

She was promoted to the first division of Rwanda’s Premier League in 2018, meaning she has over four years of experience in that division which has equipped her with the right skills to oversee international fixtures.

Last January, Mukansanga had made history at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when she became the first woman to referee a match at the men’s AFCON (between Zimbabwe and Guinea) and she also officiated at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

She has already presided over games at the highest level in international women’s football. Before working in sport, she trained as a midwife.

In a historic moment for international football, Mukansanga was picked by FIFA as one of the first three women referees to officiate at a men’s World Cup, in Qatar 2022 (between France and Australia in Group D) and also continues to referee on the sidelines of the ongoing World Cup 2022.

This was the first time the tournament had women in the role in its 92 years.