Gouda Abouelnour writes: Bushra Hajij… the journey of a woman who broke the glass ceiling and took the throne of Africa Bouchra Hajij’s rise to the summit of African sports leadership was neither coincidental nor a stroke of luck. It is the result of a long journey of dedication, hard work, and professional and athletic commitment that began in her youth as a volleyball player with local Moroccan clubs, and ultimately led to her election as President of the African Volleyball Confederation — the first Moroccan and Arab woman to hold this prestigious position.
Player and Fighter on the Court
From 1986 to 2002, Bouchra Hajij played for the Moroccan national women’s volleyball team. She represented notable clubs such as Club Maknassi, Royal Army, Crédit Agricole, and FUS Rabat. Her athletic presence extended to beach volleyball as well, where she competed from 1996 to 2002 in African and Arab championships, club tournaments, and represented Morocco in the Mediterranean Games and Francophone Games.
From the Court to the Boardroom
Hajij transitioned from competitive sports to institutional leadership, becoming President of the Moroccan Volleyball Federation. In 2015, she was elected Vice President of the African Volleyball Confederation. In 2020, she made history by being elected as the President of the African Volleyball Confederation, the first Moroccan woman to ever hold this office. She also holds several prestigious international roles, including:
• Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)
• Vice President of the Arab Volleyball Federation
• Member of the Olympic Culture and Heritage Commission at the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• Member of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA)
Inspirational Leadership and Women’s Empowerment
Over five years of leading the African Confederation, Hajij has demonstrated exceptional capacity in strategic planning, governance, and sports development, making her a powerful female role model in sports leadership. Her consistent presence on the international stage and her calls for gender equality and empowerment have transformed her role into a platform for advocating for women in sport.
International Recognition and Well-Deserved Honors
Bouchra Hajij has received numerous international honors in recognition of her efforts to promote volleyball and sports equality. Among these honors:
• International Honorary Medal from the President of the International Volleyball Federation
• Officer of the National Order awarded by the President of Chad
• Multiple honors from African and global institutions for her contributions to women’s sports, beach volleyball, and the advancement of African unity through sport
Moroccan Royal Support
Her journey of success has also been backed by official and political support from Morocco, especially from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who places strategic importance on sports as a driver of economic, human, and social development — and as a tool for uplifting African youth.
A Symbol of Breaking Barriers
Bouchra Hajij is not merely a sports official — she is a symbol of Arab and African women’s success in overcoming cultural and institutional challenges and reaching decision-making positions. She has truly become a “leadership brand” in Africa, placing Morocco at the heart of continental volleyball influence and leaving an indelible feminine mark on the history of Arab and African sports leadership.
STORY BY:Gouda Abouelnour
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