Impact
Women in Football
Empowering women through football: a refuge and a pathway to rebuild lives
In Kenya, many young girls with football talent and passion, as well as single mothers with children, face immense challenges, including domestic violence, poverty and a lack of opportunities. These women and girls often struggle to find safe spaces and supportive communities to help them heal and rebuild their lives. Football offers a transformative platform — a sanctuary where women and girls can regain confidence, develop skills and find the support they need.
Why this is personal
This mission holds deep personal significance for Taiwo Leo Atieno, founder of KickStartKenyaFootball. His mother, Bridget Mary Glaisher, was a single mother who endured domestic abuse while raising Taiwo in the UK. Despite these hardships, she found strength and solace in the football community, which became her refuge and support system. Her resilience inspired Taiwo to use football to create similar safe spaces for others.
Initiatives for women
Grassroots football training facilities
Establish safe and inclusive training facilities providing young girls and single mothers with training and mentorship opportunities, addressing SDGs 1, 3 and 5.
Community football tournaments
Host tournaments that showcase women's talents, fostering confidence, unity and gender equality (SDGs 3 and 5).
Infrastructure development
Build eco-friendly facilities with dedicated spaces for football business programmes, ensuring sustainable access to resources and training (SDGs 11 and 13).
Education and career pathways
Offer courses, scholarships and professional guidance to open opportunities in coaching, management, physiotherapy and more, addressing SDGs 4 and 8.
Women and girls' leadership programmes
Equip participants with leadership skills through football to break cycles of marginalisation (SDG 5).
Mental health and support networks
Provide emotional support and counselling through partnerships with women's organisations, ensuring a holistic approach to healing (SDGs 3 and 10).
Partnership and advocacy initiatives
Collaborate with local and international organisations to amplify the reach and impact of women's football programmes (SDG 17).
The broader impact
By aligning these milestones with the needs of women and girls, KickStartKenyaFootball doesn't just change individual lives — it uplifts entire communities. Empowered women inspire future generations, breaking cycles of poverty and fostering a culture of inclusivity and resilience. To ensure success we work with organisations advocating for women's rights, education and mental health, so participants are supported holistically.
Measurable goals
- Impact the lives of 5,000 young girls and single mothers over the next five years through tailored programmes and mentorship.
- Build a sustainable pipeline for women's football in Kenya to promote gender equality and inclusivity in sport.
Support our milestones
- Build safe and inclusive football and fitness facilities for women and girls.
- Create pathways for education, leadership and careers in football.
- Establish eco-friendly, sustainable sports infrastructure.
- Empower survivors of domestic violence to heal and rebuild their lives.
Together, we can harness the unifying power of football to transform lives, one milestone at a time. Mwanalima Adam Jereko already showed what a Kenyan woman can reach — the next generation needs the facilities to follow her.