Quest for Women’s Boxing League in Kenya

Box Girls Kenya, a leading community organisation focused on female empowerment through boxing, has called for the establishment of a dedicated Women’s Boxing League in Kenya.

This groundbreaking proposal was unveiled as Box Girls Kenya celebrated their win as the Tujiamini Gold Award winners for the Nairobi region, walking away with a prize of Ksh500,000. The Tujiamini Initiative, powered by SportPesa, aims to foster sports talent and community development, shining a spotlight on grassroots sports across the country.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Analo Anjere, boxing coach and founder of Box Girls Kenya, emphasized the need for an organised women’s boxing league to nurture local talent and elevate female boxers to regional and international prominence.

“We need a structured Women’s Boxing League, led by women, to boost participation and competitiveness through regular tournaments. This is key to developing both amateur and professional rankings, giving our female athletes the edge they need to shine on the world stage,” Anjere stated.

The Ksh500,000 Tujiamini Gold award will be directed towards upgrading the gym and training facilities in Kariobangi, Embakasi North Constituency, where Box Girls Kenya is based.

Ms Sarah Achieng, professional boxer and sports administrator at Box Girls Kenya, highlighted the disparity between men’s and women’s boxing, calling for stronger support of women’s sports. “Female boxers need consistent competition to reach their full potential. Regularly scheduled competitions are critical for growth. We have the talent; all we need is the platform and the support from the public,” Ms Achieng said.

Founded in 2007 with just two aspiring female boxers, Box Girls Kenya has since trained more than 4,000 girls in boxing and self-defense, empowering young women to succeed both inside and outside the ring. Their ambition is to expand their reach and incorporate additional sports and activities that empower girls.

Lyle Asiligwa, Director at DBA Africa, a key partner in the Tujiamini Initiative alongside SportPesa Kenya, lauded Box Girls Kenya for their transformative role in developing local sporting talent. “The Nairobi region’s Tujiamini submissions were highly competitive, but Box Girls Kenya stood out. They have created a high-yielding program blending amateur and professional boxing, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success,” said Asiligwa.

The Tujiamini Initiative now moves to the South Rift region, where the competition is set to intensify. Young people across Kenya are encouraged to participate in large numbers as the program moves towards its grand finale in November.

Why this matters?

• Empowering women in sports: Box Girls Kenya’s call for a dedicated Women’s Boxing League could redefine the future of women’s sports in Kenya, opening new opportunities for talent development.
• Grassroots impact: The Tujiamini Initiative’s by the online betting giant focus on nurturing talent from the grassroots highlights the untapped potential in Kenyan communities, with sports as a vehicle for positive change.
• Global aspirations: As the call for a women’s boxing league gains traction, Kenya could soon be positioned as a regional powerhouse in women’s boxing, inspiring a new generation of female athletes.

This movement marks a pivotal moment for women in sports, as Kenya’s top female boxers push for the establishment of a league that could change the game.