BY SHABAN OMAR
In Kwale County, where tradition and societal expectations often shape the roles of women, a group of girls and young women defy the odds to chase their passion for football.
Amid a backdrop of conservative norms that view the sport as a male domain, they stand tall, determined to break barriers and redefine what women can achieve.
Their journey is not just a personal triumph, but a bold statement to the community, that talent, drive, and ambition know no gender.
Against the resistance of social norms and cultural expectations, the young women fight for their place on the field, inspiring a new generation of girls to follow in their footsteps.
In the hot scorching sun barefooted, at the Bwiti football ground in Lunga-Lunga sub-county, Peninah Yawa, Aisha Rajab and Mariam Hamisi among others are warming up for the grand football tournament.
The football tournament, organised by the Network for Adolescents and Youth of Africa under the She Leads Programme, aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and talent nurturing.
For years, Kwale has struggled with rising cases of teen pregnancies and early marriages, making this initiative vital.
According to Kwale County Youth Director Kent Simiyu, teen pregnancies and early marriages are still a major problem in the area.
Determined to break barriers, fight GBVs and advocate for gender equality, the group of girls and young women pressed on under the relentless heat of the mid-morning sun, their focus set firmly on victory.
According to Yawa, “What a man can do, a woman can do even better.”
“I’ve had this passion for a long time, but I used to shy away due to the community’s perception of women playing football. However, after being empowered, I stepped up and claimed my place in soccer,” she said.
The woman said she started playing football while in class six in 2005. She plays for a local team, Queen Rangers.
She said from there, she played up to the county level intending to nurture and pursue her dreams.
Yawa explained that through football, girls and women not only protect themselves against gender-based violence but also create a safe space to share their experiences and find ways to cope with depression and other daily domestic challenges.
“Our goal is to uplift and empower women’s lives. We are determined to challenge and dismantle outdated African traditions that have long undermined the female gender,” she said.
Yawa explained that the football initiative has helped women and girls learn to identify issues that need to be reported and how best to address them.
She added that this awareness also empowers women to educate their daughters, protecting them from sexual violence and fostering a safer, more informed community.
Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Yawa is optimistic about a promising future in football.
Rajab, 23, who began playing football in third grade, has also developed a deep passion for the sport.
She plays for Bwiti Queens in Mwambalazi.
Despite being a mother and a dedicated young woman, she still finds time to pursue her love for football.
Rajab highlighted that, beyond physical fitness and mental health, football also instils discipline.
“Football is all about discipline and values. It helps you stay focused and avoid engaging in unproductive activities,” she said.
Rajab shared that soccer has helped her find balance in life, and she is pleased that the community has embraced this positive transformation.
She recalled how, in the past, women would face criticism for wearing shorts or trousers while playing football.
However, through the She Leads program, they have made significant strides in advocating for women’s rights and breaking down harmful cultures, myths and stereotypes.
She said the women and girls have found their voices through sports and are doing well.
She noted that women and girls have found their voices through sports and are thriving both on and off the field.
Hamisi, a member of Manrangers Queens, began playing football just last year.
She shared that while she has had a passion for the sport since childhood, she lacked the support to pursue it.
After receiving empowerment, she finally took the step to join soccer and hasn’t looked back since.
She said for her, football is not just for fun but a profession, she is working to pursue further.
Hamisi is from Manrangers Queens and started playing football last year.
She said she joined soccer after being empowered but had the passion to play since her childhood but lacked support.
Hamisi shared that, for her, football is more than just a hobby, it’s a profession she is determined to pursue.
“I see this as a career that can change my life, and I’m eager to take it further,” she said.
According to Simiyu, the football tournament goes beyond raising awareness.
It is also designed to help women and girls develop and hone their unique skills, paving the way for job creation and improving their lives.
He emphasized that job opportunities are limited, and the government is committed to empowering youth by promoting practical skills.
Sports, he noted, is one of the avenues to support self-employment and economic independence.
