Lydia Nsekera
Member, International Olympic Committee
Burundi
Lydia Nsekera
Avance Media proudly recognizes Ms. Lydia Nsekera, a trailblazer in the realm of sports administration, as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023. Her remarkable journey and influential contributions have left an indelible mark on the international sports stage.
Born on 20 April 1967, Ms. Lydia Nsekera hails from Burundi. Her academic journey led her to the University of Burundi, where she earned a degree in Economic and Administrative Sciences in 1992. Armed with a strong educational foundation, Ms. Nsekera embarked on a career that seamlessly blended business acumen with her passion for sports.
Ms. Nsekera’s foray into sports administration began as a member of the Atlético Olympic Football Club national men’s league from 2000 to 2007. Her leadership journey saw her ascend to the positions of Honour President (2007-2013) and Vice-President (2014-). Simultaneously, she led a women’s football club from 2001 to 2015, demonstrating her commitment to gender equality in sports.
From 2004 to 2013, Ms. Nsekera served as the President of the Burundi Football Federation, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated field. Her tenure brought about transformative changes and laid the foundation for her subsequent roles on the international stage.
Notably, she represented Burundi in various capacities, including serving as a Member of the Burundi National Olympic Committee (NOC) Women and Sport Commission from 2001 to 2006. Her dedication extended to the Organising Committee of the 5th African women’s football championships in 2006 and the FIFA Olympic Football Tournaments from 2006 to 2016.
Ms. Nsekera’s impact reverberated across continental bodies, as she became a Member of the Women’s Football Commission of the African Football Confederation (CAF) from 2006 to 2012. Additionally, she served as a Member of the Executive Committee of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations from 2007 to 2011.
Her global contributions expanded to include roles in the FIFA structures. She was a Member (2011-2013) and later President (2013-2016) of the Women’s Football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Commission. Notably, she was co-opted in 2012 and elected in 2013 as a FIFA Executive Committee Member by the FIFA Congress.
Ms. Nsekera’s influence reached new heights when she assumed the role of President of the Burundi National Olympic Committee (NOC Burundi) in 2017. Her commitment to restoring the image of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) became evident as she twice vied for ANOCA leadership.
At the international level, she became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2009. Her IOC history is marked by significant contributions, including serving as the Chair of the Women and Sport Commission from 2014 to 2021. Currently, she chairs the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission.
Ms. Lydia Nsekera’s outstanding contributions have garnered recognition and accolades. She was named one of the FIFA representatives at the medal presentations for women’s football at the Games of the Olympiad, Beijing 2008. In 2009, she received the IOC Women and Sport Award.
Her contributions were further acknowledged by the Bujumbura Mayor, who nominated her as one of the 10 best women workers of 2008. The Republic of Burundi honored her with the Order of the Peoples Friendship in 2012, and in 2018, she was named to the Council of National Orders and Honours of the Republic of Burundi.
In conclusion, Ms. Lydia Nsekera’s journey from a football administrator in Burundi to an influential figure in global sports governance is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and leadership. Avance Media’s recognition of Ms. Nsekera in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 is well-deserved, acknowledging her enduring impact on sports and gender equality. As a beacon of inspiration, she continues to shape the narrative of women’s leadership in sports administration, leaving an inspiring legacy for future generations.