Box Girls Kenya, a community-based organization championing women’s boxing, has been named the Gold Winner in the Tujiamini by SportPesa Initiative for the Nairobi region. This remarkable achievement highlights their contribution to sports, particularly in nurturing grassroots boxing talent.
Founded with a mission to empower women through boxing, Box Girls Kenya has made significant steps in promoting female participation in sports. With the support of the Tujiamini initiative, this win brings fresh opportunities to enhance their training facilities and boost the talent development of aspiring boxers in Nairobi's Kariobangi area.
The award, valued at Kes 500,000, will go towards upgrading their gym and training facilities. These improved resources will create better opportunities for the girls, giving them the competitive edge they need for tournaments. "Tujiamini is a good initiative because it addresses the needs of the people and will greatly help the sport grow in Kariobangi," said Analo Anjere, the founder of Box Girls Kenya.
SportPesa’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports has extended beyond football, rugby, and athletics to include boxing. The Tujiamini by SportPesa Kenya initiative emphasizes sponsorship of community-driven projects that foster talent across various sports. By investing in Box Girls Kenya, SportPesa continues to show its dedication to developing sporting talent at the grassroots level.
Despite the growing interest in women’s sports and the rising boxing talent in Kenya, there is still a gap in opportunities for female athletes compared to their male counterparts. Sarah Achieng, a professional boxer and sports administrator at Box Girls Kenya, emphasized the need for consistent tournaments and regular fights to help female boxers reach their full potential. The improved training resources made possible by the Tujiamini sponsorship will aid in closing this gap.
Since its inception in 2007, Box Girls Kenya has trained over 4,000 girls in boxing and self-defense, proving that grassroots initiatives can make a significant impact. The organization aims to continue challenging gender stereotypes, while also preparing girls for leadership roles both inside and outside the ring.
The Tujiamini initiative, powered by SportPesa, will now move to the Nyanza region as it finishes its 1st year, rewarding applicants across 8 regions. Grassroots talent is at the core of this initiative, providing young people with the platform to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams in sports. Whether it's football, boxing, or athletics, Tujiamini by SportPesa Kenya is making a difference by empowering communities and developing talent across the country.
For Box Girls Kenya, this Gold award is just the beginning. With enhanced facilities and continued support, they are poised to lead the charge in transforming women’s boxing in Kenya.