Refugee-led impact
W3B is shaped by the experience of former refugees, so every program reflects the needs and aspirations of girls in Mahama Refugee Camp.
Women's Basketball Beyond Borders (W3B)
Empowering refugee girls from Mahama refugee camp through basketball.
Women's Basketball beyond borders (W3B) is a refugee-led initiative based in Mahama refugee camp, Rwanda, using basketball to empower refugee girls through basketball structured trainings, mentorship and competitive opportunities.
About Us
Women’s Basketball Beyond Borders (W3B) is a refugee-led social enterprise based in Mahama Refugee Camp, Rwanda. W3B uses basketball as a tool to empower refugee girls by creating opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, mentorship, and athletic excellence.
Founded by a former refugee basketball player, W3B was created to address the challenges many girls face in accessing structured sports opportunities. Through training, mentorship, and competitive exposure, W3B helps girls build confidence, develop their talents, and create brighter futures on and off the court.
Structured access
We create safe, consistent basketball training, mentorship, and support systems for girls who otherwise face limited opportunities.
Leadership through sport
Through basketball, girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and grow a stronger sense of possibility for life beyond the camp.
Mission
To empower refugee girls from Mahama Refugee Camp through basketball by providing safe spaces, mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities that help them build their future as athletes, leaders, and confident young women.
Our Vision
A future where refugee girls are empowered to lead, compete, and thrive through basketball, transforming their potential into opportunity and their dreams into reality.
Meet the Founder
Elvine Mugishawimana is a refugee from Mahama Refugee Camp and a basketball player whose journey in sport was interrupted by a knee injury. For Elvine, basketball was more than a game; it was a safe space where she found confidence, purpose, friendship, and the freedom to dream beyond her circumstances.
Growing up in a refugee camp, she witnessed many talented girls facing barriers that limited their participation and growth in sport. Despite her passion for basketball, opportunities, support systems, and pathways for development were often limited. These experiences taught her the importance of creating environments where girls feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Inspired by both the challenges she faced and the positive impact basketball had on her life, Elvine founded Women’s Basketball Beyond Borders (W3B). Through W3B, she is committed to ensuring that refugee girls from Mahama Refugee Camp have access to the opportunities she wished she had, opportunities to develop their talents, build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and create brighter futures through basketball.
The Latest from W3B
W3B champions receiving training equipments.
Highlights from the day at W3B headquarters.
W3B champions on their first game.
The moments of the W3B first game.
Contacts
Reach out to learn more about our programs and how to support W3B’s mission.