Racheal Kundananji: The perfect fit to champion education, health, and gender equality as UNAIDS Education Plus Ambassador

By Bernadette Deka Zulu
WE have a new Ambassador in town, as Corporal Racheal Kundananji, Zambian female footballer and my co-founder of the Racheal Kundananji Foundation (RKF) was officially unveiled and appointed as the UNAIDS Education Plus Ambassador.
This appointment, which was conferred on her by the UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, on December 13, 2024; marked a significant milestone not only in Racheal’s personal journey but also for Zambia, as she became the first Zambian woman athlete to hold such a prestigious United Nations advocacy position.
Representing five key UN agencies – UNAIDS, UNESCO, UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF – Racheal is now entrusted with the critical role of advocating for education, gender equality, and the empowerment of young girls and women, particularly in Zambia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The event, which took place at the UN headquarters in Zambia, was a testament to Racheal’s dedication to social change, as well as the recognition of her immense potential to drive important conversations around education, health, and youth empowerment. The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including the Director of Football Operations from Bay FC, who flew in from California, Ms. Chim Moore, patron of the RKF, myself as co-founder of RKF and Racheal’s representative, along with other key figures such as Mpho Kalembo from RKF Seattle and Dr. Lombe Mwambwa from the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport. Together, we witnessed Racheal’s crowning moment as she assumed her new responsibility as the UNAIDS Education Plus Ambassador.In this article, I want to share why Racheal is the perfect fit for this vital role and how her unique qualities, both as an athlete and as a passionate advocate, make her ideally suited to advance the key messages of the Education Plus initiative.
A footballer who understands the power of education and sportsRacheal’s journey as a professional footballer has not only been one of athletic excellence but also one of resilience, determination, and a strong belief in the power of education and sports to transform lives.
Growing up in Zambia, Racheal faced many of the challenges that many young girls across Africa face: limited access to resources, societal expectations that often devalue female athletes, and the lack of opportunities in both education and sports.
Yet, Racheal managed to break through these barriers with a steadfast commitment to her sport and an unwavering belief in the value of education.Just last weekend, we held a successful inaugural fundraiser for the foundation where Racheal was spearheading mobilising funds to build a community school in her hometown, Chililabombwe.
Her story and success is that of giving back to where she came from.Racheal’s rise to success in football shows her unshakable drive, discipline, and determination. She has seen firsthand how sports can open doors to new opportunities, shape character, and build confidence.
But it is her understanding that education must complement sports that sets her apart as an advocate. She is not just a talented athlete; she is someone who deeply believes that education is the cornerstone of long-term success, especially for young women and girls.
By becoming the UNAIDS Education Plus Ambassador, Racheal has an opportunity to merge her two passions – sports and education – and champion a holistic approach to youth empowerment. Her experiences as a footballer have equipped her with a unique perspective on the challenges facing young girls who aspire to break into male-dominated fields.
Through her voice, she will advocate for the critical need to provide young girls with the resources, education, and support to reach their potential, both on and off the field.A champion for gender equality and youth empowermentRacheal’s journey as an athlete has been fuelled by commitment to gender equality.
In her role as an advocate for young women and girls, she has consistently emphasised the importance of empowering women through access to education, sports, and leadership opportunities. As the co-founder of the RKF, Racheal continues to use her platform to support young girls, ensuring they have access to educational resources, mentorship, and opportunities to participate in sports. Her foundation’s initiatives align perfectly with the core values of the Education Plus initiative, which seeks to advance education, gender equality, and health outcomes for young people – especially girls.One thing I have come to realise as I work with Racheal, is that she possesses notable attributes around her ability to bridge the gap between education, sports, and gender equality.
She understands that education is not just about academics but also about life skills, personal development, and empowerment. Through our work with the RKF, Racheal has been instrumental in providing young girls in Zambia with opportunities to excel in sports while also prioritising their education. As an Education Plus Ambassador, Racheal will bring this unique understanding to the table, advocating for the integration of education and sports as tools for breaking gender stereotypes and lifting young girls out of poverty.
Her appointment as the UNAIDS Education Plus Ambassador also underscores her exceptional leadership qualities. It is no coincidence that Racheal is the first Zambian woman athlete to hold such a prestigious UN position. She has shown time and again that women, especially those in the sporting world, can be powerful agents of change. Through her advocacy, Racheal will continue to break down barriers that limit the potential of young girls in Zambia and across Africa, ensuring that they are given the opportunity to thrive in both education and sports.A natural advocate for UNAIDS and Education Plus GoalsThe UNAIDS Education Plus initiative is dedicated to ensuring that girls and young women around the world are equipped with the education, skills, and knowledge they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The initiative advocates for the integration of education, gender equality, and HIV prevention into the broader development agenda, recognising that empowering young women and girls is the key to addressing many of the global challenges we face today.Racheal’s passion for gender equality, education, and health positions her as the perfect advocate for these goals.
She has always been vocal about the importance of comprehensive sexual education, HIV prevention, and the need for policy changes that ensure access to education and healthcare for all young people. As an Education Plus Ambassador, Racheal will be able to amplify the messages of UNAIDS, UNESCO, UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF, working to ensure that young girls and boys in Zambia and across Africa have access to the tools they need to succeed.Moreover, Racheal’s ability to connect with young people, especially through sports, will make her an effective communicator and leader in this role. Her influence as an athlete, combined with her deep commitment to social change, will allow her to engage diverse audiences and mobilise resources to address the critical issues facing young people today.
Conclusion: A bright future for education, gender equality, and healthRacheal’s appointment represents a new chapter in her journey as an advocate for young women and girls. Her unique background as a successful female athlete, founder of a foundation dedicated to youth empowerment, and unwavering champion of education and gender equality make her the perfect fit for this role.
As Racheal embarks on this new responsibility, she will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the global conversation about education, health, and gender equality. Her work will inspire countless young girls and women to believe in their own potential and to pursue their dreams, both in sports and in education. Racheal’s leadership will serve as a powerful reminder that when women are given the resources, support, and platform they deserve, they can achieve extraordinary things – both on and off the field.
*The author is founder of Shaping Futures Zambia & Co-Founder of the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation.bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com